Carter Bonas, a 13-year-old entrepreneur and 2022 Sports Illustrated ‘SportsKid of the Year,’ is making headlines again in his hometown of Coral Springs.
This April, during World Autism Month, Carter is hosting the First Annual Autism Awareness Golf Tournament at the Country Club of Coral Springs on Thursday, April 25, an event he hopes will tee off a tradition of inclusion and community support.
The tournament date holds an extra-special meaning to Carter because it was declared Carter Bonas Day in Lauderhill in 2022.
Since founding Spectrum Golf, Carter has used his platform to promote understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity. His organization offers stylish, comfortable golf apparel and supports the autism community by providing free golf lessons and gear through charitable efforts.
“I wanted to start Spectrum Golf because I felt excluded and wondered who would hire me if I didn’t have any friends,” Carter tells Coral Springs Talk. He adds that the golf attire he could find didn’t suit his needs, so he decided to create his own.
“We were spending a lot of money on clothes that were supposed to be comfortable, but they were not. That’s how I decided on an apparel business.”
Carter’s concerns about social acceptance and employment inspired him to create a business that embodies inclusivity. “My personal experience with Autism drove me to ensure no one else ever feels excluded,” he added.
Carter’s vision for his organization extends beyond apparel. Spectrum Golf aims to land its line in major department stores and pro shops nationwide, using golf as a conduit to spread autism awareness. “Each year, we donate 5% of our proceeds to autism charities and provide free golf lessons to those affected,” Carter shared.
The event will feature a unique ‘Autism sensory overload putting experience,’ where participants can wear goggles to simulate the sensory overload experienced by many people on the spectrum daily.
“My goal is for the annual tournament to grow yearly, eventually attracting golf pros in a celebrity-style event,” Carter envisions.
Carter’s lofty ambitions mirror the expansive goals of his apparel business. He aims to make Spectrum Golf as recognizable as brands like Under Armour.
In addition to raising awareness around golf, the upcoming tournament will include a pizza party and a ‘Glow-In-The-Dark’ putting event on the eve of the game, hosted by the school Carter attends, the Digital Academy of Florida.
“It’s the best school I’ve ever attended,” Carter shared, adding that the supportive community at DAOF has had a vital impact on his growth as he enters his teens.
Carter Bonas on the cover of Sports Ilustrated.
Carter’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Since being featured as ‘SportsKid of the Year,’ he has been recognized as an ‘unstoppable CEO’ by UPS and invited to the Masters, experiences he describes as life-changing. “I love giving free golf lessons to youth and veterans. It’s amazing to see them start to love the game,” Carter said.
Moving forward, Carter shares with Coral Springs Talk that he is excited about upcoming opportunities, including a tournament in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where he will meet children at the Montego Bay Autism Center and provide them with Spectrum Golf gear. “I am a motivational speaker, and I travel worldwide to share my story, hoping to motivate and inspire others,”
As Carter prepares for the First Annual Autism Awareness Golf Tournament, he tells Coral Springs Talk his message is clear: Autism is a part of who he is, but it does not define him or his capabilities. Through Spectrum Golf, he hopes to share his journey with autism and open the door to acceptance and opportunity within the community.
For more information on Carter’s Spectrum Golf and to register for the tournament, visit www.carterspectrumgolf.com and www.carterscharitygolf.com.
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