Wicked Smart Golf
Michael Leonard
Welcome to Wicked Smart Golf, the go-to podcast for golfers who want to shoot lower scores and play their best without changing their swing.
Hosted by Michael Leonard, a +2 handicap golfer, best-selling author, and founder of Wicked Smart Golf, this show has helped golfers around the world play smarter, more consistent golf with over 1 million downloads and counting.
Michael has written over 4 million words on golf, authored four books, and built one of the fastest-growing platforms in the game, all focused on one mission: help you lower your scores without obsessing over your swing.
Because the truth is, your swing will never be perfect. But you don't need a perfect swing to break 80, shoot in the 70s, or play the best golf of your life.
In this podcast, you'll learn how to master the mental game, play smarter on the course, practice with purpose, and simplify your short game and putting for lower scores. Each episode is designed to give you practical strategies you can actually use, whether you're a beginner or an experienced player trying to reach the next level.
You'll also hear from some of the best minds in golf, including top coaches, elite players, sports psychologists, and best-selling authors, sharing insights to help you improve faster and perform under pressure.
If you're serious about playing more consistent golf and finally reaching your potential, this podcast is for you.
For even more, check out the Wicked Smart Golf book series on Amazon and Audible, where you'll find step-by-step systems to improve every part of your game.
Hosted by Michael Leonard, a +2 handicap golfer, best-selling author, and founder of Wicked Smart Golf, this show has helped golfers around the world play smarter, more consistent golf with over 1 million downloads and counting.
Michael has written over 4 million words on golf, authored four books, and built one of the fastest-growing platforms in the game, all focused on one mission: help you lower your scores without obsessing over your swing.
Because the truth is, your swing will never be perfect. But you don't need a perfect swing to break 80, shoot in the 70s, or play the best golf of your life.
In this podcast, you'll learn how to master the mental game, play smarter on the course, practice with purpose, and simplify your short game and putting for lower scores. Each episode is designed to give you practical strategies you can actually use, whether you're a beginner or an experienced player trying to reach the next level.
You'll also hear from some of the best minds in golf, including top coaches, elite players, sports psychologists, and best-selling authors, sharing insights to help you improve faster and perform under pressure.
If you're serious about playing more consistent golf and finally reaching your potential, this podcast is for you.
For even more, check out the Wicked Smart Golf book series on Amazon and Audible, where you'll find step-by-step systems to improve every part of your game.
Episodes
Mentioned books
13 snips
Feb 12, 2026 • 56min
468: Reece de Castro - From 20 Handicap to Scratch Golfer in 2 Years
Reece de Castro, an amateur who turned a 20 handicap into scratch in about two years through focused practice and tournament play. He talks fast improvement via heavy reps, self-coaching with video and drills, and how chipping and putting shaved strokes. He also shares course-management lessons, tournament reps that built confidence, and simple in-round reset routines.
11 snips
Feb 10, 2026 • 22min
467: My Journey to +5, WSG on YouTube, & Offseason Check-In
A winter playbook for golf improvement, from a committed YouTube push to on-course coaching collaborations. A documented climb to a +5 handicap with biweekly progress checks. Speed training plans and a 16-week driver protocol to add yards. Wedge work with TrackMan, bunker and short-game focus, and putting routines to stack into reliable practice habits.
10 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 1h 3min
466: Dr. Don Wood - Learn to Release Trauma to Play Your Best Golf
Dr. Don Wood, performance and neuroscience expert who founded the Inspired Performance Institute, helps high performers resolve trauma that silently affects focus and confidence. He discusses hidden trauma’s hold on the nervous system. He explains how repetition codes performance, mental rehearsal in specific brain states, and quick recovery tactics to stay present under pressure.
15 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 22min
465: January Recap - 6 Tournament Days, Golf Fitness, & PGA Show
A lively January recap covering six tournament days and how competitive play reveals weaknesses. Fitness tracking and speed training highlights, including tech tools and a Fast Eddie lesson. Practical practice wins: wedge and bunker progress, marking short putts, and varying tee boxes. Thoughts on tracking habits and seeking feedback to push improvement.
48 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 57min
Dr. Troy Van Biezen: How Amateurs Can Train Like Scottie Scheffler (Fitness Friday)
Dr. Troy Van Beesen, sports chiropractor and performance coach for elite players like Scottie Scheffler and Tiger Woods, shares training and recovery secrets. He discusses managing mid-tournament back issues, periodized strength and mobility plans, the cardio golfers skip, and practical pre/post-round routines. He also covers hydration, nutrition, and tools that keep pros fresh on championship weeks.
17 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 50min
464: Brixton Albert - Building a $100M Golf Brand & Tips to Break 80
Brixton Albert, founder of Performance Golf and accomplished amateur, scaled a $100M golf business and coaches better play. He discusses starting at 40% to build momentum. He breaks down common practice mistakes and smarter practice structure. He explains pressure rehearsal, tournament mindset, pre-event routines, and a simple thinking-time habit to sharpen focus.
21 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 22min
463: 5 Golf Lessons Hidden Inside "Your Brain Swings Every Club"
Neurohacks for staying calm on the course and simple tension tricks to settle nerves. How to pick contrasting, repeatable targets to train your visual system. Why targeting near the hole and testing the pin can improve putting consistency. The role of sleep in locking in practice and boosting motor skills and emotional control.
55 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 1h 17min
Mike Carroll - The Secrets to Strength Training for Golf (Fitness Friday)
Mike Carroll, creator of Fit For Golf and a decade-plus strength and conditioning coach, explains practical ways golfers get stronger, more mobile, and more durable. He breaks down why strength matters, how to structure warm-ups, power and strength work, sensible cardio, and easy speed-training routines. Short, actionable training habits you can start today.
41 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 1h 5min
462: Jim McLean - Inside the Mind of a Hall of Fame Coach
Jim McLean, Hall of Fame instructor and founder of Jim McLean Golf Schools, shares stories from his long teaching career and Total Game philosophy. He covers setup tension, low-point control for cleaner iron contact, why juniors improve faster, the power of a simple routine, and how short game and course management trump pure swing mechanics.
12 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 25min
461: 7 Proven Offseason Strategies Every Golfer Needs
Unlock your best golf season with easy offseason strategies! Discover why reflecting on your last season and setting clear goals can enhance your game. Learn to adopt a daily mindfulness habit to boost confidence. Explore the benefits of starting speed training safely and how to practice intentionally, even indoors. Fitness is key: build strength and mobility tailored for golf. Craft a personalized plan with actionable deliverables, so you’re ready to hit the course stronger and smarter come next season!
