Here’s what Trump decided to do.
President Donald Trump has granted a full presidential pardon to veteran PGA Tour caddie Eric Larson, clearing a decades-old federal drug conviction that had continued to create problems for Larson’s international golf career.
The September 3 pardon gives Larson, 66, a fresh opportunity to travel and work alongside American golfer Harris English at major tournaments overseas.
For Larson, the decision closes another chapter in a legal case that began more than 30 years ago and followed him long after he completed his prison sentence.
Trump Pardons PGA Tour Caddie Eric Larson
Larson was convicted in federal court in 1995 of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
According to federal records, he received a 156-month prison sentence, five years of supervised release and a $25,000 fine.
Larson ultimately spent approximately 11 years behind bars before rebuilding his life and returning to professional golf.
In recent years, he has worked as the caddie for PGA Tour golfer Harris English.
But despite completing his sentence years earlier, Larson’s criminal record continued to affect his ability to travel internationally.
UK Travel Restrictions Created Major Career Problem
The issue became especially important after the United Kingdom expanded requirements involving electronic travel authorization for foreign visitors.
Larson was unable to obtain the authorization needed to enter Britain because of his past conviction.
That meant he could not caddie for English at the 2025 British Open.
The timing proved costly.
English finished second in the tournament and earned approximately $1.8 million in prize money.
Professional golf caddies are commonly paid a percentage of their player’s tournament winnings, especially after a high finish.
At a 7% share, Larson could have earned approximately $126,000 from English’s British Open performance.
Instead, he was unable to be there.
Trump Personally Called Larson With The News
After signing the pardon, Trump reportedly contacted Larson and English personally to tell them about the decision.
Larson described himself as grateful for the opportunity to move forward.
English also welcomed the pardon, saying it could allow Larson to return to the United Kingdom and work with him at events such as the Scottish Open and British Open.
The decision could therefore have a direct financial and professional impact on Larson’s career.
Larson Had Previously Met Trump Through Golf
Larson’s connection to Trump developed through professional golf.
He previously caddied for PGA and LIV golfer Anthony Kim and became familiar with Trump through golf-related circles.
Larson and English later played golf with Trump at Trump National Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
During that outing, Larson reportedly explained how his criminal conviction continued to interfere with his ability to travel for work.
English later said he believed Trump listened to the situation and looked further into Larson’s case.
Larson Says He Used Official Pardon Process
Larson has stressed that the pardon was not simply the result of personally knowing the president.
He said he submitted a formal application through the Justice Department’s pardon process.
According to Larson, his application included prison records and letters documenting his conduct and rehabilitation since completing his sentence.
He has said he wanted the case evaluated on its merits.
That distinction is important because presidential pardon requests can draw public scrutiny, particularly when applicants have personal or professional connections to influential figures.
Larson maintains that his application went through the normal federal review process.
A Decades-Old Conviction Continued To Follow Him
Larson has acknowledged his role in the cocaine distribution case that resulted in his conviction.
He has said he obtained cocaine in Florida and sent it to friends and acquaintances across state lines.
He has also said he did not personally use the drug.
After leaving prison, Larson returned to the golf world and spent years building another career.
His case illustrates how the consequences of a federal conviction can continue well beyond incarceration.
Even decades later, travel rules tied to his criminal record were affecting his ability to earn a living.
Presidential Pardon Opens Door To Major Golf Events
The pardon could now remove a major obstacle to Larson working internationally.
That is especially significant because some of professional golf’s most prestigious tournaments are held in the United Kingdom.
If travel approval is granted, Larson could once again accompany English at events including the British Open.
For a professional caddie, missing major tournaments can mean losing both income and career opportunities.
Larson now has a chance to avoid that situation in the future.
Larson Says He Is Not Ready To Retire
Larson, an Appleton, Wisconsin, native, is one of the older caddies still working on the professional golf circuit.
But he has made clear that he plans to continue.
He says he enjoys the work and intends to remain on English’s bag as long as he is physically able to handle the demands of walking professional golf courses week after week.
After serving more than a decade in prison and spending years rebuilding his life, Larson now has another opportunity to continue the career he created after his release.
Trump’s pardon does not erase Larson’s past, but it could significantly change what comes next.
For Larson, that may mean returning to some of golf’s biggest stages and continuing to work alongside one of America’s leading professional golfers.
