439: How to Play Smart Golf (9 SIMPLE Tips)

12 snips

Oct 28, 2025

Useful tips on building a fixed pre-shot routine to reduce doubt and improve consistency. Advice on committing to one reliable shot shape and dialing full and knockdown distances. Strategies for practicing lower-trajectory knockdown shots and using driver more often. Guidance on attacking par fives, creating a wedge distance matrix, and avoiding low-percentage hero plays.

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ANECDOTE

Home Simulator Struggle And Guide

Michael Leonard built a home simulator and is still finalizing projector and launch monitor choices.
He warns that setup is more complicated than expected and is creating a how-to guide.

ANECDOTE

Unplanned Switch To A Draw

Michael switched from a long-time fade to a draw in 2022 without intentional swing changes.
That change improved his greens-in-regulation and confidence dramatically.

ADVICE

Practice Mental Skills Off-Course

Train your mental game off the course with short meditation, breathing work, or the Mental Golf Type assessment.
Use daily habits to reduce on-course fear and improve focus under pressure.

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Want to lower your scores without changing your swing? In this solo episode I break down 9 proven strategies from my blog post to help you play smarter golf. We'll cover everything from routines and shot shape to course-management tools and mental habits. Whether you're chasing your first 80 or trying to break 70, these actionable tips will help you think your way around the course and start scoring more consistently.

By the end of this episode you'll be able to:

Create a pre-shot routine that builds clarity and confidence.
Stick to one reliable shot shape and avoid swing chaos under pressure.
Train your mind off-the-course so your game holds up on the back nine.
Know when driver is your friend (yes, really) and when laying up is just defeat.
Track meaningful stats and build habits that lower your handicap.

And a lot more wicked smart wisdom.

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HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).

Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.

Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro.

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Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes.

Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently).

Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).