Harris English is tied atop the leaderboard after the first round at the 2025 Open Championship, but the longtime veteran of the PGA Tour is navigating Royal Portrush without his usual caddie. Eric Larson has been by English’s side since 2021, aiding in his three victories on the PGA Tour while achieving strong finishes in majors, including a second-place at the PGA Championship earlier this year.

However, this week, English’s putting coach Ramon Bescansa is filling in due to Larson’s visa denial. The UK now requires American caddies to acquire an Electronic Travel Authority visa, and a criminal conviction leading to a prison sentence of 12 months or more is grounds for denial.

Larson was convicted of selling cocaine 30 years ago and served a decade in prison before being released in 2006. He began caddying for Mark Calcavecchia and polished his skills over the years, eventually forming a successful partnership with English.

Despite attempts to help Larson with the visa issue involving appeals from the PGA Tour, the R&A, and the US Ambassador’s office, English expressed frustration at the lack of support, stating, “It’s not for a lack of effort,” highlighting the various letters written on Larson’s behalf.

“I think it could be sitting on someone’s desk at the government somewhere,” he noted at the Scottish Open. Regardless, English performed exceptionally during the first round, even taking a solo lead at 5 under temporarily before settling back among the pack.

Notably, English appreciates Larson for his ability to keep things enjoyable, which poses a challenge as he embarks on this weekend of competition without that familiar calming presence.