Who Is Carrying the Bag? Inside Harris English’s Surprise Caddie Switch at the Open Championship

Harris English faces a challenging fortnight in the United Kingdom after longtime caddie Eric Larson was refused an Electronic Travel Authorisation, leaving the four-time PGA Tour winner scrambling for a last-minute replacement at both the Genesis Scottish Open and next week’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush. Visa setback rooted in 1990s conviction • Larson, 63, served just over 10 years in U.S. federal prison after a 1995 drug conviction, a sentence that now triggers Britain’s tightened entry rules for travelers with prison terms of 12 months or more. • Despite glowing character references from the R&A, the PGA Tour and U.S. ambassador Warren Stephens, British officials have yet to sign off on an exemption. • The denial comes three weeks after English first learned his bag-man might be blocked, leaving the world No. 19 “shocked at how complicated the process is,” he told reporters. Why Larson matters to English’s Ryder Cup push 1. Chemistry: Larson has been on English’s bag since 2017, guiding him to three of his four career victories. 2. Greens insight: Larson’s detailed yardage books are credited for English’s top-10 putting stats this season. 3. Momentum: English sits 10th in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings; a strong Scottish-Open-to-Portrush stretch could cement his place on captain Tiger Woods’ team. Plan-B caddie carousel • English employed fill-in Joe Etter during Thursday’s opening round at The Renaissance Club, but Etter returns to Davis Thompson next week, forcing another short-notice hire. • Among names floated on site: veteran looper Craig Connelly, Euro stalwart Gareth Lord and local Scottish caddie Craig Stewart. Player reaction inside the ropes Fellow pros, including Scottie Scheffler and Matt Fitzpatrick, called the situation “harsh” and “outdated.” Several caddies wore “Free E-L” stickers on their bibs in Thursday’s practice round, echoing 2010’s “Free Gino” campaign after a similar visa flap involving Gino Bonnalie. What must happen for a last-second rescue • UK Home Office can fast-track a “Compelling Professional Need” waiver. • Larson must supply additional rehabilitation documents verifying three decades of clean record. • Decision window: before Tuesday evening’s first-tee time at Portrush. Looking ahead If Larson’s appeal fails, English will continue with a patchwork team for the biggest links stretch of the calendar. A high finish could still keep his Ryder Cup dream alive, but a poorly timed swing slump may reopen the U.S. standings race—and spotlight how one 30-year-old mistake off the course can still rewrite careers on it. Golf fans worldwide will watch the Scottish Open leaderboard—and the UK immigration office—for the next twist in the Harris English-Eric Larson visa drama.