Bradenton father-son golf team competes in Special Olympics

BRADENTON, Fla. (FOX 13) - Chad Stancil and his 12-year-old son, Jared, are more than just family. They're teammates on the golf course. 

"I would say he's my best friend," said Stancil. "But there's a little trash talking that goes on and he always wants to [play] a little competition here on the putting green." 

The smack talk goes a long way. 

Jared - who has Down syndrome - and his dad have played both at state and national tournaments. 

"It's my favorite sport," said Jared. "I love playing with my dad because he's a good golfer."

Chad and Jared compete with Special Olympics Florida. 

"We played unified, nine holes so we alternate shots," said Stancil. "He hits, I hit all the way until we finish the hole." 

Last year, they placed first in the Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle. 

"All my friends and parents and grandparents saw me play with my dad!" said Jared. 

"They have the parade of athletes come into the stadium just like the regular Olympics," explained Stancil. "To see the athletes compete -- it really is an unbelievable experience." 

Jared's short game is to have fun and enjoy every moment on the course with his dad. Long-term, golf could end up being a career for this young man. 

"Who knows? I mean, what's going on now, you look down into the future what it can be for him," said Stancil. 

"I want to be a professional golf player, and beat the other golfers," said Jared.

Aiming high and long will always be Jared's game.