It’s never too early to change the game, and 11-year-old Carter Bonas is evidence of that.

At the recent South Florida HBCU Golf Classic held in Naples, FL, Carter was awarded a full scholarship to Florida Memorial University.

Golfing With A Purpose

Hosted by Champion Charity, Inc, the purpose of the golf classic is to raise funds to support students attending South Florida’s only historically Black university. This year, significant support went to young Bonas, who is not only a golfer but an entrepreneur, based on a Florida News report.

Bonas owns Spectrum Golf. It is a lifestyle and water brand tailored to the sport. According to the company’s website, Carter named the company Spectrum because he is considered high functioning on the autism spectrum.

However, the young golfer is not letting his diagnosis stop him. Launching his apparel line and being an athlete is just a part of his journey. Bonas also hosts his own annual golf tournament. The event is designed to benefit Healing Arts Institute of South Florida, a nonprofit founded in honor of him by his mother, Dr. Thelma Tennie.

A Bright Future

Bonas’ scholarship puts him in good company. HBCU golf programs are growing, especially as the sport has become more diverse over the years.

Former basketball player, JR Smith, is a North Carolina A&T University student and a current athlete on their golf team. As previously reported by AfroTech, Smith was awarded academic athlete of the year by the university as he finished his first semester with a 4.0-Grade Point Average.

Although the totality of Bonas’ future is unclear, he does have a guaranteed ride to the historic Florida HBCU that offers a great start to a future of endless possibilities.

Cheers to young Bonas and all of his endeavors.