Who is Harris English’s caddie? (And why was he banned from the UK for The Open?)
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He’s on the bag of a multiple PGA Tour winner and Ryder Cup star, but who is Harris English’s caddie?
American Harris English turned pro in 2011 and has enjoyed a stellar career. Among the taller players on tour, he is renowned for the elegant and effortless nature of his swing.
English has won five times on the PGA Tour between 2013 to 2025 and seems to be getting better and better.
He is yet to win a major but registered two runner-up finishes in 2025 at the PGA Championship and then at The Open.
To help English get the best out of game, he has had Eric Larson on his bag for a long time.
Who is Harris English’s caddie?
Larson realized he didn’t have what it took to be a professional so did the next best thing and became a caddie. He first started working for Ken Green before starting on the bag of Mark Calcavecchia.
However, his life took a turn when he was caught selling cocaine. He was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison, eventually serving 10 years and three months, before he was released in June 2006.
“I did it for monetary purposes only,” Larson told The Caddie Network. “I didn’t use it, and I never brought it out on tour.
“Was I a major drug dealer? No. Did I drive fancy cars? No. That doesn’t make it any better.”
During his time in prison, Larson earned a college degree in business administration and made sure he stayed fit.
Upon his release, Larson started caddying for Calcavecchia again before he was given a four-week trial run by Anthony Kim.
Larson went on to win an event with Kim and caddied for him in the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla.
He caddied again in the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor for Jeff Overton before spending time on the bags of Henrik Norlander, Chris Kirk and Andres Gonzales.
He has now caddied for English for eight years, including at the 2021 Ryder Cup, and will make another appearance in the biennial contest at Bethpage.
Larson was unable to make it to the Scottish Open because his conviction meant he did not clear the newly introduced Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa that is a requirement for Americans to travel into the UK.
“I guess the United Kingdom doesn’t look highly on his past,” English said in his pre-tournament press conference at the Renaissance Club.
He was asked about the situation again at Bethpage.
“We were all disappointed he couldn’t come over to the Scottish Open and The Open Championship,” he explained. “He’s been a massive part of my team for the last eight years or so. He’s the best guy in the world, he means a lot to me, and he’s been pushing me to get back here.
“He believes in me probably more than anyone out there, so I appreciate his support, and everything he does for me. This is as much about me getting back here as it is about him, and I want him to enjoy every moment.
“He’s getting older, too, so you never know if he’s going to be back here as well. He’s having a good time. He’s one of the favorites among the players and caddies, and obviously with his story of being in prison, I mean, he has seen some dark places.
“To get here and to see these crowds and to be in this moment is very special for him.”
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Harris English's caddie, Eric Larson, was banned from entering the UK for The Open due to a past criminal conviction.
