BRADENTON, FLA – Rain starts to pick up on a gloomy Wednesday in Bradenton. The only effect it has on Jared Stancil is a quick tilt of his ball hat.

The 14-year old can spend hours in his backyard makeshift driving range. As he rotates between clubs, he has the same goal. Hear that perfect sound.

“One hundred percent awesome,” Jared yells after great contact with his driver.”

He’s got a big work ethic and dreams to match.

“I always go out there and try my best,” he says during a practice swing. “That’s what matters. My goal is to work on my golf game and go to the PGA Tour. If I hit a bad shot I just say pick me up.”

For Jared, practice time is pure excitement. For his mother, Michele, it’s everything she wanted.

“I feel so blessed that he has a god-given talent,” she says. “It’s one thing to have talent. It’s another thing to have passion and he has such passion for this.”

A deep passion for two reasons. The first would be acceptance. Jared has Down syndrome.

“When you have a child with an exceptionality, you’re always looking for things to do,” Michele says. “There’s not a day this child wakes up and doesn’t ask if we can go to the golf course.”

That’s because Jared knows the value of practice. His hard work paid off in 2018 when he won a gold medal in Special Olympics USA Games 9-hole alternative shot. Framed in his bedroom is his hardware and a picture.

“It was phenomenal and most amazing putt I made in my entire life,” Jared said. “That was my first birdie putt I ever made for nine holes. Dad put his arm up. It was the best day ever.”

That last part is Jared’s second and most important reason. For years his playing partner is his dad and best friend, Chad.

“He never gives up on himself and I’ll always be there for him. I’ll always be right here because I know how much I love him. He’s the best dad ever and he’s the best husband to my mom. That’s how life works.”

After a long day of practice, it’s a quick drive down the road to River Run Golf Links. There on the first tee is his partner.

“There you go. Nice shot,” yells Chad after a long drive.

“You find out your son’s going to have a disability and there’s so many unanswered questions. Fastforward 15 years and here we are. It’s unbelievable.”

With a couple more state championships under his belt, Jared qualified for the 2022 USA Games in Orlando. He will compete in 18-hole alternate team shot.

Following up his beautiful drive with a spectacular approach, Jared seems more than ready to claim gold again.

“Take that partner,” he yells at Chad.

It may be another round for the teenager, but for dad these moments never get old.

“To experience it with my son you know I can’t put it into words.”

Finishing up his putt to save par, Jared has a message for the rest of the field.

“Team Stancil number one!”

Opening ceremonies for the 2022 USA Games will be held at 9:30 a.m June 5 at Exploria Stadium. All golf competitions are set to be played at Orange County National in Winter Garden.