Interview with '89 World Champ and '08 US Masters Champ Steve "Cup" Wisecup | 1000 Rated Disc Golf Players, News, scores, and more

Interview with ‘89 World Champ and ‘08 US Masters Champ Steve “Cup” Wisecup

When initially asked how he first started playing the game, Steve Wisecup replied, “To make a long story short and sweet, I thought we had invented it - but then around 1975 my friends and I discovered that other people were playing Disc Golf. When we bought our World Class Frisbees we found the IFA and then the DGA, and eventually the PDGA.” Over 30 years later, Steve Wisecup is one of those guys who can say, ‘been there - done that.’ He won the Ohio State Championships 13 times - holds a Disc Golf World Championship title from Waterloo, Iowa in 1989 - was two time player of the year - two time National Doubles Champion - was inducted into the Hall of Fame - holds the 2008 US Masters Title - over 100 PDGA wins - and has been working for Innova since 2002. Oh yeah, and he has a 1021 rating at age 53. Arguably a disc golf icon, Cup just seems happy to have been along for the ride.

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We were lucky enough to chat with him about his recent Masters title, his impressive career, working for Innova, and a few other tidbits…

1000 RATED: Congratulations on your recent win at the 2008 United States Masters Disc Golf Championship. This year seemed to be a back and forth battle between you and Jim Oates down the stretch. There wasn’t much info about what happened in La Mirada on pdga.com or elsewhere. Can you enlighten us on what took place during the final day and how you came to take the Championship?

CUP: The final round of the Masters started off much like the two previous rounds, meaning that we were both playing pretty well: Jim had a couple of tough breaks in the first 3-4 holes with lies up against a tree with a long upshot too. But he played well and converted these to easy pars. The round was becoming a little better for me as I came back from being 3 down to a tie ball game by the time we reached the back nine.

Then you could feel the horse race start…

Jim drove hole #10 perfect for a birdie and I could only par after my drive. I caught a tree limb on the way in and my jump putt went into the chains and off to the left.

#11 Jim drove straight down the fairway with a easy up to the hole – my drive came out early and left me a difficult shot to the pin. My upshot was on the island, but my look was about 30 ft. and slightly downhill with o.b. 10 ft. past.

Sure enough I weenied the putt and went off chains left again.

Jim is now 2 up.

The next hole is a long par 4 with o.b. right and left and long – out of and through some big pines.

Jim has some problems on the green and ends up with a bogey. I wound up with a birdie. So… we are tied up again.

Back and forth a couple of times and we are tied up again going into hole #17.

**FLASHBACK** - 2007 Masters Championships:

Jim Oates and I are tied at #17. Both of us drive well with good upshots. Oates hits his putt for bird -

I miss my putt for a bird and take par.

Oates goes on to finish first.

Back to 2008: Hole #17:

Oates drive is perfect down the fairway.

2008 US Masters Champions Carrie Burl Berloger and Steve Cup Wisecup My drive catches a limb down the tight fairway and leaves a very difficult up.

I probably threw one of my best shots of the weekend, a looong turnover downhill with an o.b. right and long for the pin. The gallery roared when it landed just about 15 ft. long of the pin. *perfect*.

Jim’s upshot was also very good, just a little longer past the pin.

Unfortunately Jim missed his putt.

I went up one stroke when I hit it and hole #18 was uneventful, same as last year. But this year, I came out on top.

Jim is a great competitor and player and not only an honor to play with, but I feel very fortunate to come out on top.

1000 RATED: With the 2008 US Masters title, the 1989 World Championship title, and an induction into the Disc Golf Hall of Fame, your involvement with the sport has spanned over three decades. Looking back through the years, what do you think has kept you going all this time, what do you specifically love about disc golf, and what are some of your favorite memories from your storied career?

CUP: I do still love the game. Over time the challenges it provides with not only the game itself, but also the many changes to keep it interesting. New courses, new discs, etc. And working in the business helps with that part of keeping me interested. Although, sometimes it is a job.

But mostly the friends I have from this sport is what keeps me here and coming back. Without their support I probably would have moved on to something else by now.

Over 30 years of playing have granted me many good times and many, many memories – enough to easily write a book. Some of my favorites are:

- Beginning in Dayton and all those years of learning and playing all day, every day.

- Touring in the early days with Johnny Sias and Dave Greenwell.

- All my Dayton local close friends. And the entire weekly’s we played together.

- The year Mitch McClellan and I won our first National Doubles together and how in alternate shot I put him in a mound of fire ants. After he threw his shot, he looked down and his gray sweatshirt and sweatpants were covered with fire ants. I’ve never seen anyone strip down to nothing faster right there in the middle of the course, God, and everybody, I’m still laughing. That is when I started marking my discs with the dots (fire ants) in the center bottom.

- All my buddies in Arizona … Wow! Too many good times to recount. All the camp out tourneys at the Jerry Garcia memorial. Sweet traveling to all those tourneys together.

- This game and my friends have allowed me to travel this country from stem to stern and I am most grateful for that.

Steve Cup Wisecup - Going to San Diego for the team tourneys with Dan Ginnelly and Russ Shelton have been some great times. Fond memories of watching those AZ boys (Spuds and Lance) playing in the ocean late at night in December (freezin’). “Crazy”

- Speaking of freezing what about Flagstaff Worlds: at N.A.U. and Thorpe parks. We were playing in shorts and 75-degree weather. At the same time up the road at Snowbowl the players on top were stuck in a lightning hailstorm freezing in a porta john. We just had to go up there and check it out.

- And the good times of winning events etc., also brings fond memories of course, but the people (friends) is what keeps me here.

- And now here in SoCal – making more friends with Disc Golf and more memories. Most recently our venture tourney at Lake Casitas, which is also a camp out. It’s just too much fun and good times.

1000 RATED: Your 1989 World Championship win in Waterloo, Iowa was the last World’s before Climo started winning and went on a streak of 9 World Championships in a row. What did that win in Iowa mean to you at the time and what does it mean to you now? Also, how do you think Climo’s subsequent 9 year streak changed the game of disc golf at that time?

CUP: At the time I didn’t realize exactly what it would really mean for me. But then it was the end of a road I had been on practicing, traveling, and working hard toward. A goal of being the best. Winning player of the year in 1987 and losing Worlds by 1 stroke was a bit of a disappointment but it gave me hope for the future. Then 1989 worked out for me. Again winning player of the year and finally winning the Worlds satisfied that goal that I was working so hard to reach.

Steve Cup Wisecup As I got older I realized that it had opened many doors for me. Not that I was a better player, or that I was better than anyone else, but that title gave me the opportunity to go other places, or tourneys that I probably would not have been offered to me. Now as I am old, gray, and wore out, I use it every chance I get for anything I can. (Just kidding) But truthfully that title still works today in keeping doors open for me.

I think that Climo’s streak among other things gave us a hero so to speak. Excitement. Someone to look up to. His example gave us hope. His consistent wins brought the sport to a higher level for each player as well as the sport as a whole.

It also shows us that we can play this sport at a higher level of competition for a long time.

1000 RATED: It’s well known that you’re currently involved with product development and testing for Innova. What is your actual job title, how did you come to land this position, and what has this experience been like for you? Can you tell us what products over the years you have worked with and really been proud of? Also, are there any products that you were surprised sold so well, or any that you were surprised did not sell well?

CUP: My job title is: Production Supervisor. I got this position I feel because of my knowledge of Discs and Disc flight, what players want, and of course my talents on and off the course. And a huge factor is I believe Dave Dunipace feels as though his thoughts as well as mine on discs are on the same page.

Oh! And I also work my butt off!

Its been a great experience for me as I learn more about discs etc. I meet a lot more players and it brings me to a whole different understanding of our sport.

Every disc we make I am proud of but standouts are the Candy Rocs for USDGC and some of our extra pretty drivers and always anything new.

I work with every disc made - and one I didn’t think would make it at first was the Skeeter, but actually it flies and glides better than about anything. But on the other hand I thought the Coyote would do a lot better because of it’s flight characteristics.

1000 RATED: From your experience, can you explain how discs have changed from the 70’s to 80’s, 80’s to 90’s, and the 90’s to the present day? What do you think these changes have done for the players, the sport, and the companies who manufacture the products?

CUP: I believe it is fairly easy to tell from the 70’s till now the biggest disc change is the profile, much like airplanes and flight. From slow (props) round edges to (super sonic) sharp edges - extended noses - lower - profiles faster - farther.

For the players it makes it a lot more fun to be able to throw it a mile. It opens up many new possibilities. For the sport it is the “oh wow” factor. We want people who watch our sport to say “WOW”! when we throw it.

Without a doubt this will benefit the companies with more sales and possibilities of R&D to come up with better and farther flying designs.

1000 RATED: Perhaps the only World Champion left from the 80’s who can compete with some of the World’s best players(with the exception of maybe Hosfeld), do you think the fact that you test discs constantly gives you an edge over some of the best Masters in the game? What kind of preparation, mindset and lifestyle do you think is necessary to continue top play for golfers age 40 and above?

CUP: No. Actually sometimes it is confusing because of so many of the different flight differences. As a matter of fact, it makes it much much harder to get motivated to practice at the end of a work day after you have been making the donuts all day.

My preparation is probably a little tougher because of working with discs all week, by Saturday the beach or the bike trail is calling my name. But if I want to play well … practice must happen! I believe you must practice regularly or you will rust. This game is all about feel, timing, and rhythm. It is not easy keeping your game good, and everything else in your life smooth.

1000 RATED: Since you’ve been around the game so long and have continued to be successful at the professional level, can you talk at length about your personal technique for drives, upshots and putts?

CUP: It is tough to discuss specific technique for each type of shot because throwing the disc is about feel and unless I have some type of reoccurring problem I don’t break down my technique or analyze it much. Nor do I even think much Steve Cup Wisecup about grip, footwork, timing, etc. because these should be automatic. To focus on these would distract from what I really need to focus on. For me, on drives I only think first about the flight path of the disc. I picture in my head the path I think is the best odds on getting to the hole with the least amount of danger and effort. During the approach and drive, (or throw) I concentrate on good rhythm, slow footwork, good hips and speed on the hit, and most important for me is disc angle on the hit of my hand. My thought is throw the disc to this (pre-picked) spot in the air at this angle and let the rest happen. As far as upshots go it is as simple as playing catch. Something that I find most Disc Golfers don’t do. But could be one of the most valuable practice techniques out there because upshots is feel and touch. And it is fun too! Putting is all about practice, for me its not how many, or how long, its all about quality and focus. I actually take mini breaks in practice to simulate time between putts in a live game.

I work a lot on “refocus”, the ability to bring myself back into the game if you hit a slump or miss a couple of putts. We all know that feeling as if our putt has suddenly seemed to have left us. I work on: 1.) Dont panic, 2.) Bring yourself back into your game and regain that “feel” you seemed to have lost. As far as a putting technique goes I live by these thoughts. Its a lot like throwing a foul shot in basketball also a lot like throwing a crumbled peice or paper in a trash can. And what I mean here is “feel”, and same type of mindset.

1000 RATED: If you could offer 3 pieces of advice for players who are trying to raise their level of play, what would they be?

CUP: 1.) Slow down: First starting with footwork, next with your head. Slowing your footwork will allow you to feel more of whats happening and also helps you set up your body in the correct position to realize the most potential for the best shot (accuracy and distance) i.e. better rhythm. Slowing down your head will allow you to see - more shots - different routes - more imagination.

2.) Practice - Practice - Practice off of the course: Go to a field with a stack of drivers, play catch with a friend or enemy (future friend) … haha … And when you are on the course: Pick a weak spot in your game and focus on it.

3.) Play with the best: Search out good players. Pick out what they do well and use what you can to improve yourself. Ask questions and discuss the game. These guys and gals should be happy to accommodate because it also helps them and they already realize this! Go to major tourneys - play, watch, and learn.

1000 RATED: Where do you think the game goes from here? There are possibly a couple hundred thousand casual players on the courses, but only 12,000 or so current PDGA members. Is there anything you’d like to see happen that would continue steady growth - perhaps a personal manifesto on the way to pro disc golf fanaticism?

Steve Cup Wisecup CUP: I think Disc Golf will continue to grow at its slow pace until we can locate some people who know the right way to market our sport to the masses amid all the other mainstream sports. Getting into schools is one good way - Also, more courses. But really I don’t have any solid answers. Maybe it would help if someone not involved in Disc Golf at all could give an outside perspective. I think a lot of clubs around the world should take a page from some of the others that are doing good things for the sport i.e. … SoCal Disc Golf Club, also the Arizona Organization, Bowling Green, KY, to name a few. These people are doing something right. Check them out, do what they’re doing. Some clubs just have no interest in growing and actually it hurts us all.

1000 RATED: We ask everyone: who is your favorite 1000 rated player and why?

CUP: I refuse to answer this question based on the following: Over 30 years in the sport I have toooo many very good friends over the 1000 rating. Who do I pick? … Mitch McClellan my 2x Nationals Doubles partner …? Best bud forever!! Dan Ginnelly one of my best buds and mountain biking partner …? Deano Tannock one of my best friends and best attitudes on and off the course …? Maybe some of my Michigan buds like Mike Railey or Al Shack who I have known and loved forever. Or homeboys like Brad Schick from OHIO. These guys and a whole lot more are people with great attitudes that have common interests with me. So I cant choose just one. Sorry, but if I did it would be a perfect setup for that big bus to run me down.

I have a lot of friends in this sport and I must admit it is what keeps me playing and coming back.

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***We would like to thank Steve for taking time to answer these questions for us.
***Image of Steve and Carrie ‘Burl’ Berloger is a © of the PDGA - PDGA.com
***All other images were graciously provided by and are a © of Innova Champion Discs - innovadiscs.com

Frank on November 14th, 2008 at 11:41 pm

Another great interview. I liked hearing about some of Steve’s favorite memories. Thanks guys…

Jason Wright on November 16th, 2008 at 3:53 am

I met you once a few years ago at the So Cal Championships. You realy helped me with my putting game. Seriously man - thanks Cup, and good luck.

Jason

sammy shaheen on November 16th, 2008 at 10:17 pm

Keep up the good work.
Great questions. They really are.
Nobody talks about how the disc have changed.

Heartfelt answers.

I wish this site the best.

Dan Bayless on November 24th, 2008 at 11:38 am

Awesome interview. Cup is still one of my all-time favorites. Love to see him putt. We do miss seeing him here in Ohio.

ohio brian on April 5th, 2009 at 10:47 am

cup signed my ace disc in belmont ,oh.thanks keep up the good work

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