Carter Bonas Brings New Meaning to the Spectrum
Published on April 11, 2023
Carter Bonas Brings New Meaning to the Spectrum with Groundbreaking Golf Organization
Not everything has come easy for Coral Springs resident, Carter Bonas, but deciding which sport to take on as a hobby was as simple as looking around his own neighborhood. Bonas first started to golf when he was 10 years old after a parent’s friend pointed out that he already lived very near to the Country Club of Coral Springs – one of the best semi-private golf courses in Broward County.
With convenient access to lessons, Bonas, who has autism, decided to connect with a pro and give it a try. It wasn’t easy at first, but with practice, he improved, and has since embraced the sport -- in conjunction with therapy -- to combat his struggles with autism. Formerly a victim of bullying because he was “different” Bonas soon decided to make autism awareness part of his golfing, and his lifestyle.
“For a long time, I was not happy, trying to hide that I had autism,” Bonas said. “Then in therapy, I learned that when you embrace who you are and stop trying to be something different, you can be something great.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Carter felt he could take his love of golf to a new level while solving two potential problems. He aimed to create a clothing line that was friendly to sensitive skin – a common sensory issue affecting those with autism and provide an extra source of income during uncertain times. Spectrum Golf was born – a clothing line that features lightweight and comfortable golf apparel for all skin sensitivities.
Bonas’ new ventures were so successful it’s earned him both local and national recognition. He was recognized in February 2023 by the City of Coral Springs Commission for being named as Sport Illustrated 2022 SportsKid of the Year -- not bad for a kid from the Country Club of Coral Springs!
For Autism Awareness Month, Bonas hopes that his work can inspire others.
“I hope to inspire others in the community by telling them and teaching them some of the things I learned in therapy, and by them watching me to see that if I can do it, they can do it too -- we can do anything we put our mind to,” Bonas said “There’s a quote that says ‘everything was once thought impossible until somebody did it.’ And that’s what I’m doing.”
More information about Spectrum Golf can be found at CartersSpectrumGolf.com