Harris English Leads The Open With Backup Caddie: Why His Regular Looper Was Banned From UK & How They’re Adapting

Harris English defies expectations at The Open Championship, seizing the early lead with a backup caddie after his longtime partner Eric Larson was barred from entering the UK due to a past drug conviction.

The American golfer shot a stellar four-under 67 at Royal Portrush despite the last-minute disruption, with his putting coach Ramon Bescansa stepping in seamlessly. English’s resilience shines as he turns potential chaos into a competitive advantage.

While Larson’s absence creates an unusual dynamic, English’s performance proves elite adaptability—raising questions about caddie recognition in professional golf’s biggest moments.

Harris English Surges Ahead at The Open With Backup Caddie After Visa Denial

Harris English has taken The Open Championship by storm, firing an opening-round 67 to share the lead at Royal Portrush—all while adjusting to a last-minute caddie change after his regular looper was barred from entering the UK. Eric Larson, English’s longtime caddie, was denied entry due to a past drug conviction, forcing the American to rely on his putting coach Ramon Bescansa. Despite the unsettling circumstances, English displayed remarkable composure, carding five birdies against just one bogey.

The 34-year-old Georgia native revealed the team had just 48 hours to prepare after learning of Larson’s visa issues. “We’re making it work,” English told reporters. “Ramon knows my game inside out—we’ve worked together for years on my short game.” Bescansa, who currently caddies for LIV golfer Abraham Ancer, previously carried English’s bag during the 2021 Canadian Open.

This situation reveals why top players need emergency caddie plans like football teams have backup quarterbacks. English’s preparation with Bescansa on putting drills gave them an existing rapport most substitute pairings lack.

The Critical Role of Player-Caddie Chemistry

Statistics show the significance of caddie continuity on Tour:

• Players with the same caddie for 3+ years have 12% better scrambling stats
• Winning partnerships average 5.2 years together (per PGA Tour research)
• 89% of major winners since 2015 retained their caddie for multiple seasons

Behind Eric Larson’s UK Ban: Golf’s Unseen Visa Challenges

The golf world was stunned when Larson—a respected veteran caddie—was turned away at UK border control. Though neither party has disclosed specifics, multiple sources confirm the issue stems from Larson’s 2008 arrest for marijuana possession while working with Anthony Kim. The UK’s Entry Clearance Guidance states visitors with drug convictions within the past 10 years may be refused entry, though discretion exists for older offenses.

Major championships should implement caddie credentialing programs similar to Olympic accreditation. Larson’s situation highlights how archaic immigration systems clash with modern sports logistics.

Ramon Bescansa: The Putting Specialist Turned Championship Caddie

Bescansa’s seamless transition from coach to caddie underscores his deep understanding of English’s game. The Spanish golf guru has worked with English since his rookie season, famously helping transform his putting from 145th in strokes gained (2013) to top-25 by 2017. Their shared history provided crucial advantages:

• Bescansa knew English’s green-reading preferences instinctively
• They maintained existing yardage book systems
• Shared technical language from years of coaching sessions

The Psychology of Overcoming Caddie Disruptions

Sport psychologists emphasize three critical adjustment phases English navigated:

1. Initial shock absorption (first 18 hours)
2. Procedural adaptation (club selection routines)
3. Emotional recalibration (trust building)

What’s fascinating is how English channeled the disruption into heightened focus—sometimes adversity sharpens concentration better than perfect preparation.

How The Open Performance Impacts English’s Olympic Dreams

With Olympic golf qualifying underway, English’s surge couldn’t be timelier. The two-time PGA Tour winner currently sits 18th in USA standings; a top-4 finish at Portrush would vault him into provisional qualification. Performance analyst Mark Broadie calculates English now has:

• 37% chance to make Team USA (up from 22% pre-tournament)
• Projected 5.3 world ranking points from current position
• Potential $3.2M FedEx Cup swing based on Open outcome

The Bigger Conversation: Caddie Rights in Professional Golf

This incident renewed debate about caddie welfare across tours. Unlike players, caddies:

• Receive no health insurance from tours
• Have no guaranteed retirement plans
• Must pay their own travel for most events

If golf wants to call itself a “gentleman’s sport,” it must address this disparity. Caddies are the sport’s blue-collar backbone—they deserve baseline protections.

Historical Precedents of Caddie Disruptions

Adaptation Strategies That Kept English Competitive

The English-Bescansa partnership implemented several innovative solutions:

• Used encrypted messaging for Larson’s remote input on course strategy
• Streamlined decision-making to 25-second maximum per shot
• Pre-planned 72 holes of club selections for Royal Portrush’s key holes

Their contingency planning should become the gold standard. Every tour player ought to have a “caddie continuity document” with their backup’s contact info, yardage systems, and emergency protocols.

Looking Ahead: Can English Sustain His Lead?

As the tournament progresses, key factors will determine English’s staying power:

• Royal Portrush’s changing wind directions demand experienced course knowledge
• Mental fatigue from extra decision-making burden
• Potential weather disruptions requiring quick adjustments