Triple threat: Student balances club rugby, PGA and Air National Guard

Carter Nutt’s life seems to be an intersection of crossroads where athleticism and service to his country are at the forefront.  

Nutt, a sophomore at Coastal Carolina University, is juggling a double major in pre-law and marketing with a professional golf management (PGM) concentration while also perusing a career in the Air National Guard, holding aspirations of competing in the 2032 Olympics and maintaining his current undergraduate courses. 

Nutt is a member of Coastal Carolina University’s men’s club rugby team, playing outside center. He began his rugby career during his first semester at CCU, inspired by his friend Hudson Furnari.  

“I was sitting in the dining hall eating some food and [Furnari] walked up, and he said ‘hey, you’re big. Do you want to come play rugby?’ I had never played,” Nutt said. “I’m from the middle of nowhere where we have bass fishing and hog tying rather than the traditional sports.” 

His journey began on the B-side team as he learned the rules of the game, until he quickly improved scoring numerous tries and separating an opponent’s shoulder during a game, leading him to become an A-side starter.  

In the summer of 2025, Nutt will play in his second sevens season for the Saratoga Jockeys club where they will travel to compete against teams in Bermuda. He will then begin his first season with a club team based out of London, England as he kicks off his rugby journey hopeful to participate in the 2032 Olympics.  

During his high school career, Nutt was a member of the all-state teams in seven sports including football and baseball for which he never attended practice.  

Professionally, Nutt serves as an Aerospace Propulsion specialist in the Air National Guard for the 169-fighter wing based in Columbia, South Carolina.  

“My parents had blessed me enough where they said that they would pay for my school, but I kind of wanted to do it myself,” Nutt said. 

Nutt chose the Air National Guard because it gave him an opportunity to serve without the full-time commitment allowing him to pursue professional sports while still serving his country.   

“Getting to meet the students and learn about them is so cool and rewarding. Coastal and our program [military and veteran services] benefit greatly from students like Carter. Getting to meet the students and learn about them is such a rewarding part of my job,” Randy Burke, the director of military and veteran services, said.  

Nutt, a student in the professional golf management program, holds a plus five handicap which is typically held by professional golfers on the professional golf association (PGA) tour.  

Due to his numerous athletic aspirations and military career Nutt did not have an opportunity to play for the Coastal Carolina men’s golf team although he holds such a high handicap.  

Yet, he holds golf lessons for customers at the PGA superstore located in Myrtle Beach under the advisement of his manager while he works to obtain a certificate through Coastal Carolina’s PGM program.  

After graduation, Nutt hopes to continue his education in graduate school and play professional rugby through major leagues– possibly abroad.