President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to PGA Tour caddie Eric Larson, resolving a decades-old federal cocaine conviction that had significantly impacted his professional life. The clemency, issued on September 3, was officially listed by the Justice Department among 23 individuals pardoned by President Trump on that date. This action specifically removes the barrier that prevented Larson from obtaining the necessary travel authorization to enter the United Kingdom for major golf tournaments.
"I’m very fortunate. I’m grateful. I got a chance now." Eric Larson, PGA Tour Caddie
Larson, 66, who currently caddies for American golfer Harris English, had been unable to travel to Britain due to his criminal record. This restriction notably prevented him from accompanying English to the 2025 British Open, where English finished second and earned $1.8 million. Larson's absence meant he missed a significant professional opportunity. His federal records indicate a 1995 sentencing in the Western District of Michigan, where he received 156 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $25,000 fine for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
According to reports, Larson expressed profound gratitude for the pardon, highlighting the new opportunities it affords him to resume travel to British tournaments. "I’m very fortunate. I’m grateful. I got a chance now," Larson told the New York Post. The White House did not publicly announce Larson's pardon when it was issued, though the Justice Department’s Office of the Pardon Attorney later included him in its official list of clemency recipients. The warrant grants Larson a "full and unconditional pardon" for his federal offense.
Larson's connection to President Trump reportedly began through professional golfer Anthony Kim, for whom Larson previously caddied. This acquaintance later led to Larson and English playing golf with President Trump at Trump National Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. During this encounter, English stated that Larson directly discussed his situation with President Trump. The President subsequently called Larson and English personally after signing the pardon. "I’m just so pumped for Eric that he can have his rights back … and travel to be by my side and work for me specifically at the Scottish Open and the British Open," English remarked, emphasizing the professional impact of the clemency.
Larson detailed that his criminal case stemmed from cocaine trafficking activities during the 1980s and early 1990s. He explained that he obtained cocaine in Florida and distributed it across state lines to friends and acquaintances. He has consistently maintained that he did not personally use the drug. Larson confirmed that he pursued clemency through the Justice Department’s formal pardon process, submitting extensive documentation regarding his time served in prison and letters of support for his application. "The Department of Justice went through all my paperwork and all my prison paperwork. It went through the process," Larson stated, adding, "I want it to be based on my merits, not because I know him."
The presidential pardon signifies a significant turning point for Larson, allowing him to fully engage in his professional career without the impediment of his past conviction. With the ability to travel internationally restored, Larson plans to continue his caddying career alongside Harris English for as long as he is physically capable. "I’m not done yet," Larson affirmed. "As long as I can still caddy, I’ll caddy." This clemency action underscores the President's use of executive power to grant second chances and address long-standing personal consequences of past legal issues.
