Joshua White has revealed how the memory of the late, great Seve Ballesteros – and one of his former caddies – have helped to put him in contention on only his third European Tour start.
The 24 year old arrived in Rabat without a caddie for this week’s Trophée Hassan II, but linked up with Pedro Ramseyer during the practice round.
Ramseyer carried the bag of Ballesteros, who died five years ago today, and White says the Spaniard was never far from their thoughts as a third round 70 left him just two off the lead.
“It wasn’t until the practice round the day before that I got him,” White said of Ramseyer.
“I came here without a caddie and was going to get a local caddie. I was told Pedro was a top man and everyone knows him - he’s definitely saved me a few shots.
“He did remind me on the putting green this morning that it was five years since Seve and it was an inspiration today and in the back of our minds.
“I’m looking forward to tomorrow. It’s a situation I’ve never been in before and I’m just taking it step by step and learning as I go. I’m very, very happy to be in this situation.”
Elsewhere France’s Clément Berardo was thrilled to overcome a difficult Friday with a third round 68 to put himself back in contention.
Berardo was two off the lead after an opening 70, but dropped three shots in his first two holes on returning to Royal Golf Dar Es Salam.
Having fought back for a second round 73, the 29 year old Qualifying school graduate carded six birdies against two bogeys on Saturday, as well as chipping in for par at the 13th, to lie just one behind leader Chris Hanson.
“It was much better today,” said Berardo. “Yesterday at the beginning was really tough and after was pretty good. Today it was good all through the round.
“The course is really tough so you have to stay patient. The rough is really thick, fairways very narrow - it’s a really tough course.
“I don’t know why but I got a bit of a flier [on 13] and I pitched 30 yards longer than the green. I chipped short and I chipped in and it’s lucky but that’s golf.”
