Despite being forced to enact several last-minute backup plans, Harris English posted a four-under 67 at Royal Portrush on Thursday to secure a share of the lead after the opening round of the Open Championship.
His seven-birdie performance is all the more remarkable given he is competing with his third-choice caddie for the week. English’s long-time caddie, Eric Larson, was denied entry into the United Kingdom due to a decades-old drug conviction. Recent changes to U.K. travel regulations for Americans can prevent entry for individuals who have served 12 months or more in prison. Despite efforts from English, the PGA Tour, and the R&A, Larson was unable to obtain an exemption.
After Joe Etter, who caddied for English at last week’s Scottish Open, returned to his regular player, English called upon his putting coach of a dozen years, Ramon Bescansa.
“He was kind of a Plan B in the books,” English said. “He knows my game probably as well as anybody on my team. He was the perfect guy to come caddie this week.”
The familiarity proved effective. English started strong, making birdies on three of his first four holes to turn in three-under 33. He briefly held the solo lead at five-under before ending the day in a five-way tie for first. Statistically, he ranked fifth in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and 14th in SG: Putting.
“Eric has been caddying for me for eight, nine years now, and you get so used to having that one guy,” English said. “But Ramon did awesome today.”
The 35-year-old, who won the Farmers Insurance Open earlier this year, is seeking his first major championship. His best result in a major came at this year’s Masters, where he finished as the runner-up.
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