October 2009 Update:

Gateway pro Nikko Locastro is the 2009 United States Disc Golf Champion, firmly establishing himself as one of the top players in the world. (Link: Locastro Hits the Big Time) Nikko's big victory and payday - the sport's biggest-yet at $15,000 - follows up another impressive win at The Memorial in March of this year.

Read a Q & A with Nikko regarding his USDGC experience:
Through October 2009, Nikko continues to impress:

• #2 world ranking
• USDGC Champion
• 10 Wins in 2008
• Current rating 1033
• #1 money at $36,000 + in earnings
• #1 in points

2009 Update:

This has been one heck of a year already for 20 year old Gateway SPONSORED PRO Nikko Locastro. He has competed in an event almost every weekend so far this year and has produced some eye catching results which should have him in the running for player of the year.

Right after new years, Nikko and his Girl fiend Carmen Packed up the Oldsmobile and headed for California from St Louis. A few days later he landed in Oceanside California and stayed with one of Gateways sponsored players Jared Pearson. Jared offered Nikko an indefinite place to stay and Nikko used the hospitality as a hub for getting to several early season events.

After winning by 5 in January at Flagstaff, Nikko went on to shoot a 4 round pdga rating record averaging 1053.5 at the CSUMB Otter Open in Nor Cal, beating local pros Nate Doss and Greg Barsby while cruising to a 6 throw win over 2nd place and fellow young gun Matt Orum.

All of this early season play in the warm weather of California proved to pay off BIG as Nikko Captured the 1st national tour event of the year and the $2,500.00 1st place check at the memorial in Phoenix AZ by 3 strokes over a very tough field.

Nikko is a major contender on the tour and has the ability to win any event he enters. He has a very well rounded game and is considered one of the best putters on tour. Combining his HUGE putting range with smooth technique, BIG power, great touch in the woods and accurate laying up,,, if you want to beat Nikko,,,,, you better bring you're A game!

Nikko's presence is being felt on the tour in more ways than one. Plagued with being a little too emotional at times, Nikko still has a lot to learn about keeping his composure for all 72 holes of an event. The ability to bring out the fire from inside and maintain the proper emotional levels at the same time, week after week, hole after hole, shot after shot is not a small task, especially when youre 20 years old and on tour competing with local course homies and well seasoned vets. Winning at the highest level of play is something very few people will ever get the chance to do and most probably don't understand what it really takes to win. Until you have competed at the top of a professional sport or you've walked in similar shoes,,,,, don't be so quick to judge.

Nikko is always willing to help younger kids out with their games and has developed many fans across the country that root for him wherever he goes!

Don’t just rely on what you may have read or heard about this phenomenal Athlete, and think about the source. Get out and watch an event your self and see this kid and other top pros in action. You might be surprised to see 40 year olds acting like 20 year olds at times.

Nikko is always working on his physical and mental game and like anyone still has room to grow! Despite some emotional outbursts stemming from the tension... Nikko's stats so far in 2009 speak for them self!

• Current rating 1031
• #1 money at $11,248.00 ( plus $2,100.00 plus in bonuses)
• #1 in points
• #1 in events played (20)
• 6 wins
• 5 2nds
• Top 5 in 18 of 20 events
• Cashed in 56 straight pdga events over 3 seasons
• Currently ranked 10th in the pdga world ranking.

Favorite Courses :

Ozark Mountain, Sioux Passage, Endicott

In The Bag:

3 wizards, (2 stiff S’ putters, 1 E’ softy) 1 E’ Element, E Blaze, E’ Hybrid, 2 E’ Spirit, 2 Inferno, I try to keep my bag under 12 discs, but am always experimenting with new stuff

Style:

Try to get a putt on every hole and rarely lay up. GO FOR EVERYTHING! I love to hit jump putts and prefer to throw my drives low and hard, I have enough power to go over the top and can also throw rollers when needed. 

Strengths:

PUTTING and wanting to win.(Low line drives, high turnovers, and jump putts) 

Training:

When practicing I prefer to play by myself because I get to throw as many shots on each hole as I want. If I practice in the backyard I like to find a couple putters that feel similar and start putting close to get an easy stroke worked out. Once I find a simple motion that feels easy I get comfortable with my 20 footers then gradually move around. There is a lot of elevation in our yard and it helps me prepare for these putts when I’m on the course. 

Player Advice :

Know your discs that are in your bag or don’t try to throw them in competition. “Try not to get mad it’s only a game” Enjoy the greatest game ever invented.  Practice more than you play but play enough serious rounds where you wont be nervous during an event! Try and play the hardest courses you can play. 

Personal Disc Golf Goals:

Cash in every tournament this yearand eventually Win a World title. 

Player Models/Influences :

It REALLY helps to play with and against good players. I have had it lucky to get a chance to play everyday with someone that can and wants to beat me, Players like( my Uncle) David McCormack, George Smith and Juststin Bunnell have pushed me to become a better player.