KARIEGA – A young golf prodigy Valentino Daniels (15) has already sent a clear message to anyone hoping to claim top honours at this year’s KallaManie Foundation Golf Day after producing one of the rarest achievements in the sport just weeks before the event.

Daniels, who was crowned the overall winner of the 2025 KallaManie Foundation Golf Day, will return to defend his title when the annual charity tournament takes place at the Uitenhage Golf Club on Saturday, 8 August.

The young golfer heads into the competition in exceptional form after recording an albatross during the St Francis Classic at the St Francis Bay Golf Club on Sunday, 5 July. The feat is only the second albatross ever recorded in an EP Golf tournament, highlighting Daniels’ remarkable talent at such a young age.

The memorable shot came on the par-five sixth hole. After splitting the fairway with an accurate drive, Daniels believed he was still out of range of the green and selected his three-wood for his second shot. Striking the ball cleanly from the centre of the clubface, he watched it travel approximately 247 metres before disappearing into the cup for an albatross.

An albatross, also known as a double eagle, is achieved by completing a hole three strokes under par. On a par-five hole, this means holing out in just two shots. It is regarded as one of golf’s rarest accomplishments, with the odds of recording one significantly lower than those of making a hole-in-one.

Daniels’ recent achievement provides a glimpse of the calibre of competition awaiting players hoping to lift the coveted KallaManie Foundation Champion Floating Trophy when the tournament tees off next month. While competition on the course will undoubtedly be fierce, the primary focus of the event remains fundraising for charity while celebrating the legacy of the late Manie Daniels, who was widely respected for his humanitarian work and commitment to assisting those in need.

This year’s tournament will raise funds for the Uitenhage Mental Homes, supporting the vital services the organisation provides to some of the area’s most vulnerable residents.

The KallaManie Foundation has thanked the players and sponsors who have already committed to supporting the event. Organisers have confirmed that only the morning field is available, with entries limited and several sponsorship opportunities still open to businesses and individuals wishing to contribute to the initiative.

Those interested in entering the tournament or becoming a sponsor can contact Jamie-Lee Daniels on 061 094 3593 or Jeffrey du Preez on 082 903 2694.

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