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Photograph by Kevin A. Roberts
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Nikko Locastro can’t get no respect. Oh, to those in the know, the 22-year-old is the object of serious envy—he’s the No. 1–ranked athlete in his sport, and the Internet is full of videos of his professional exploits (nikkodiscgolf.com). It’s just that not a lot of people have heard of that particular sport: Frisbee golf. The resident of Winfield, Mo., is eager to get the kind of sponsorships and prize money that “regular” golfers receive. To him, the only difference is balls and cups versus Frisbees and metal baskets.
Golfer’s Mentality
I don’t think people know that some of us take this game seriously. Some people think disc golf is about drinking beer and smoking pot and throwing a Frisbee around. Some of us consider this a real sport and are trying to make a living out of it.
A Cut Above
This is what I’m recognized for now: the hair.
Frisbee Feedback
Sometimes, I’ve been a little angry when I throw a bad shot and might have yelled inappropriate language, so maybe there’s a bad reputation following me, but I’m trying to change. It’s a cutthroat game, and some people just don’t like me because I win.
Talk the Talk
When I’m out on the course in St. Louis, it’s like I’m a small-time celebrity. People want to come up and talk to me—and often I sign a Frisbee.
Tools of the Trade
Golf discs are thinner and more aerodynamic than regular Frisbees. They cut through the wind, and they’re designed to glide farther. I’m sponsored by Gateway Disc Sports—the owner, David McCormack, is my uncle.
Gotta Have Heart
This is a growing sport, but we’re missing the media coverage. I’m just waiting for the sport to take off. It could grow and grow and grow, and I could be part of something huge.
Throwing the Game
When you throw a perfect drive, you just feel it. I have this really amazing hole in one that you can watch on the Internet (youtube.com/watch?v=byK-KeSUSAo).
A Sport With Legs?
In 2010, I broke the record for most money won in a season by a disc golfer. I won $67,000 in prize money, but most of it went to expenses on the road. It sucks that that’s all you can make in a sport this cool.
Rocks the Socks
They’re comfortable, and they look cool.
Have Disc, will Travel
I played in more than 40 tournaments in the past two years, and put 60,000 miles on my hybrid Prius in 2010 alone.
