Meet Carson Ham: Throw Coast Disc Golf Shop Pro
PDGA#: 163350
Current Rating: 997 (as of October 8, 2024)
Born and raised in Wilmington, NC, Carson Ham is a passionate competitor, community leader, and an integral part of the Throw Coast Disc Golf team.
From the moment he first picked up a disc in 2019, Carson’s journey has been fueled by dedication, competition, and an ever-growing love for the game. His transition from a casual player to a top-rated professional is a testament to his hard work and natural talent. Now, as a Throw Coast Disc Golf Shop Pro, Carson brings his expertise to the shop and the local disc golf scene, mentoring new players, competing at the highest level, and working toward his dream of playing full-time on the Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT).
How Carson Got His Start in Disc Golf
In the summer of 2019, just after graduating high school, Carson’s life changed with a single disc. His friend Brendon found an old DX Leopard in his garage and invited their crew to play a round at Arrowhead Park. What started as a fun summer activity quickly became an obsession for Carson.
As the summer ended and his friends left for college, Carson kept playing—every single day. Balancing work at a retail job in downtown Wilmington and classes at Cape Fear Community College, he made time for disc golf whenever possible. Then, in 2020, COVID-19 forced the storefront where he worked to close, and Carson took the opportunity to play full-time.
By early 2021, he was ready to test his skills in competition.
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First Competitive Round: New Hanover Disc Golf Club Membership Drive (January 2021)
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Joined the PDGA: February 12, 2021
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First PDGA Sanctioned Tournament: The Conquest at Castle Hayne (February 14, 2021)
That first tournament solidified his path—disc golf wasn’t just a hobby anymore; it was a career.
Carson’s Goals and Achievements
Carson is already making a name for himself in the professional scene, earning sponsorships from:
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Cape Fear Games (2 years)
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Tortugas Nest (2 years)
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Throw Coast Disc Golf (Shop Pro)
2025 Season Goals:
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Break 1000 Rated (PDGA)
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Tour for the Majority of the Year
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Win the Azalea Tournament
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Co-Design and Co-Install His First Disc Golf Course
Long-Term Aspirations:
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Compete on the Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT)
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Become a World-Class Course Designer
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Be a Leading Ambassador for Disc Golf’s Growth
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Advocate for Disc Golf in Schools
Carson believes the future of disc golf is in schools. "With how accessible the sport is physically and financially, if we can introduce disc golf in every middle and high school in the country, the sky's the limit."
Life on the Road: The Grind of a Touring Pro
Competing at the pro level is more than just throwing discs—it’s a lifestyle. Carson’s life on the road is a mix of excitement, exhaustion, and passion for the sport.
“Everything moves at 1000mph,” he says. “From driving to the next tournament, getting practice rounds in, figuring out where to sleep, where to shower, wash clothes, and going to the grocery store every day—it’s a constant hustle.”
Carson lives out of his van, managing all the logistics that come with life on the road. Finding a routine is tough, and unexpected challenges—like his solar battery running out or his fridge failing—add another layer of difficulty. Despite this, Carson wouldn’t trade it for anything.
The mental side of touring is just as demanding as the physical. “I love playing week after week, testing my skills in new conditions,” he shares. “But taking breaks is crucial—I have to reset my mind and make sure I’m still enjoying the journey.”
How Carson Supports Life on the Road
Unlike established pros with big sponsorship deals, Carson funds his tour by working between events.
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Work. Save $1,000. Hit the Road. Compete. Repeat.
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Expenses include gas, food, car insurance, and everyday essentials.
With more success on the course, Carson hopes to secure larger sponsorships that will allow him to stay on tour full-time.
What’s in Carson’s Bag?
Every disc in Carson’s bag is carefully selected for precision, control, and consistency across various courses and conditions.
Carson’s Go-To Discs:
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Drivers: Destroyer, PD, Dynasty, Firebird, Athena
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Fairway Drivers: FD
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Midranges: Quake, Buzzz
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Putters: Zone, Aviar3, Focus
“These are the best discs in the game,” Carson says, and he trusts them to execute shots under pressure.
Carson’s Advice for New Players & Aspiring Pros
For Beginners:
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Take it slow, have fun, and play your game.
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There’s no hidden secret to disc golf—find the fun in practicing and you’ll naturally improve.
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Find your style and play in a way that works for you!
For Those Going Pro:
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It’s the hardest thing you’ll ever do.
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Be prepared. Be confident.
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Mental health is key—don’t burn out.
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Find a support system. Carson is grateful for the community he’s built on the road, whether at regional tournaments or the PDGA World Championships.
Passion for Growing the Sport
Carson is committed to making disc golf more accessible—not just for pros, but for new players and youth programs.
“I want to give long-time and new players the resources and opportunities that I wish I had when I first started.”
He sees Throw Coast Disc Golf as a home base for this mission, helping players of all levels find the right gear, improve their skills, and build a supportive disc golf community.
Carson is also actively involved in growing the sport through community engagement:
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New Hanover County Disc Golf Club Board Member (Sergeant-at-Arms)
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Runs Monday Night Doubles at Arrowhead Park
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Teaches Disc Golf Lessons at Throw Coast Disc Golf
By designing courses, mentoring new players, and competing at the highest level, Carson hopes to leave a lasting impact on the sport.
Favorite Courses
Carson has played some of the best courses in the country, but a few stand out:
Top Courses in North Carolina:
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Ashe County
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Nevin
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Hornets Nest
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Sunset Park
Top 5 Favorite Courses Overall:
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Lake Marshall
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Faylor Lake
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Iron Hill
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Maple Hill
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W.R. Jackson
Off the Course: Life Beyond Disc Golf
When Carson isn’t competing or practicing, you’ll probably still find him at Throw Coast Disc Golf, editing videos or talking about disc golf with friends.
“There’s not much I do off the course besides work at the shop, edit my videos, and hang out with my friends—and half the time, we’re still talking about disc golf and our dreams for the sport.”
Meet Carson at Throw Coast Disc Golf
Carson is more than a competitor—he’s a teacher, mentor, and ambassador for the game. Stop by Throw Coast Disc Golf in Leland, NC, to meet Carson, get expert advice, or join him for a round. Whether you’re looking for the perfect disc, technique tips, or just a good conversation about the sport, Carson is always ready to help!
If you would like to schedule a private lesson, either at the Throw Coast Shop or at a local course, we have several options available based on Carson's Schedule and availability - Click below to schedule your private lesson.
Schedule Your 30 minute Lesson with Carson Ham @ Throw Coast Disc Golf
Schedule Your 1 hour Lesson with Carson Ham @ Leland Disc Golf Course