

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

16 snips
Sep 26, 2024 • 53min
314: Brad Mason - How Training Aids Can Unlock Your Potential
>>Get 15% off WHYGOLF training aids with this link. Or, use the code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout. Brad Mason is the founder of WHYGOLF and wants to help golfers "suck less" by using their helpful training aids. After a successful career in the sports orthopedics industry, Brad and his brother Jeff jumped into the golf world, creating some of the best training aids in golf. I've used several of their training aids over the past few years and think you'll love them. Here are some of their training aids that can help with certain issues in your swing: Pressure Plate: Help improve your weight transfer for better contact. Putting Thing: A great putting aid to help with start line and works indoors or outdoors. Arm Alarm: Learn how to keep your arms connected to fight the flying right elbow or chicken wing. Full Swing Bundle: Get the Pressure Plate, Power Wedge, 2 Alignment Discs, Arm Alarm, and 2 Padded Alignment Rods In this episode, we'll cover what makes a great training aid, best practices to using them, and how challenging it is to design golf products. Make sure to use the code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout to save 15% on any WHYGOLF product. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Decade Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing")

4 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 16min
313: 7 Short Game MISTAKES Killing Your Scores
A reliable short game is vital to playing your best golf. Don't forget, the 3rd and 4th pillar to playing "wicked smart" is all about putting and wedges. As Jon Rahm said, "My swing coach used to say that the short game is like the hospital; when your long game is sick, the hospital nurses you back to health." First let's set some expectations from 2022-2023 season on the PGA Tour: 58.66 scrambling 55% from rough 51% from sand Average proximity 7'10 Yes, they're good but far from perfect. Once you have the right expectations, then you need to avoid the seven mistakes in this episode. When you listen, you will learn: The importance of a landing zone. How putting from the fringe can change your game. The biggest setup mistake most players make with short game. Why you need to be honest about your short game practice to play your best. The correct tempo for short game shots that leads to better shots and more consistency. And a lot more. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Decade Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing")

Sep 20, 2024 • 5min
312: How Intuition Leads to Trust & Confidence
Learn how intuition can help you swing with trust and confidence on every shot. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Decade Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing")

Sep 19, 2024 • 59min
311: Michael Leonard - The True Power of a Strong Mental Game
>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Ready to lower your handicap and have more fun? Learn more about mental golf coaching - shoot me an email - michael@wickedsmartgolf.com Today I'm sharing an episode where I was a guest on the Mid-Am podcast, hosted by Tyler and Nathan. A podcast dedicated to improving at the game of golf while juggling the responsibilities that come with growing up. In this episode we covered a variety of topics including: How a tee shot trigger can add confidence. Why you need a reset ritual after a bad shot How to pick targets based on your personality type. How course management can help you drop shots quickly Learning if it's a mental or mechanical breakdown of your swing. Why tournament golf is a great way to speed up success and learn more about your game. Be sure to follow them on Instagram: Mid-Am podcast on Instagram - @midampodcast Tyler - @fadeandfairway Nathan - @nathan.furumasu WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Decade Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing")

14 snips
Sep 17, 2024 • 24min
310: 10 EASY Tips to Lower Your Handicap (Charlie B. Recap)
Don't forget, Wicked Smart Golf Academy is open and our September call is tomorrow at 4pm PST (enrollment is open). Today, I'm recapping my 2-part episode with PGA Tour winner Charlie Beljan (episode #307/308). In this episode, you will learn: The first 3/last 3 approach for consistent golf. An easy trick to hit wedges more pure every time. How to find the right type of golf coach to work with. The importance of resetting expectations (regardless of your skill level). The most important number to focus on with approach shots. Why it's so important to not play "golf swing" and just play golf. If you want to get access to Pre-Shot Like a Pro for free, make sure to leave a review on Audible or Amazon. Then screenshot it and DM me on Instagram (@wickedsmartgolf) or email me and I'll get you access to the program. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Decade Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing")

Sep 13, 2024 • 5min
309: 2 Simple Tricks From a PGA Tour Winner
Learn two simple tricks from PGA Tour winner Charlie Beljan to hit more greens and play more consistent golf (without changing your swing). Listen to episodes 307/308 to get tons of tips from Charlie to play wicked smart. Make sure to learn more about Decade Golf...The #1 course management system (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing")

14 snips
Sep 12, 2024 • 36min
308: Charlie Beljan - Simple Strategies to Hit More Greens
>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Charlie Beljan is a pro golfer born in Mesa, Arizona who went on to win the 2002 US Junior Amateur. He also won the 2006 Arizona Amateur before playing college golf at the University of New Mexico. After graduating Charlie turned pro in 2007 and played on the Gateway Tour from 2008-2011. He won seven times and led the money list in 2009. He earned his PGA Tour card in 2012 and went on to win the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic. In this episode, you will learn: His crazy US Open story How to finish the round strong How to bounce back after a blowup hole His approach shot strategy outside 150 yards Why you should never whine about course conditions The biggest mistake most golfers make with wedges Why you need a carry number and the importance of knowing your distance WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Decade Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing")

Sep 10, 2024 • 33min
307: Charlie Beljan - How to Think Your Way to Lower Scores Fast
>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Charlie Beljan is a pro golfer born in Mesa, Arizona who went on to win the 2002 US Junior Amateur. He also won the 2006 Arizona Amateur before playing college golf at the University of New Mexico. After graduating Charlie turned pro in 2007 and played on the Gateway Tour from 2008-2011. He won seven times and led the money list in 2009. He earned his PGA Tour card in 2012 and went on to win the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic. In this episode, you will learn: The truth about 1st tee jitters How to stay focused during the round About Charlie's first PGA Tour experience His secret trick to reset expectations during the round Why you should be "scared" of the sick or hungover golfer How he got through Q-school to get his card using a "wicked smart" strategy WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Decade Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing")

Sep 6, 2024 • 5min
306: Stop Running from Bad Rounds
It's time to stop running from your bad days and learn from them. First, stop being embarrassed with a bad shot, bad round, or bad stretch of golf... this game is wildly complicated no matter how good you get. Second, make sure you learn from every round so you don't continue to make the same mistakes over and over again. Track your stats using Arccos Golf or Decade Golf and always write down what worked / what did not in a golf journal or note in your phone. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Decade Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing")

16 snips
Sep 5, 2024 • 44min
305: Ryan Sawyer - Learn From Bad Rounds & Avoid Equipment Mistakes
Ryan Sawyer is a +4 handicap, fellow Taco Bell fanatic, and Old Town Golf Shop. I met Ryan in 2018 after quitting my corporate job and quickly bonded over tournament golf. Ryan is an entrepreneur who chased the mini tour life, has worked in the golf world for decades, and took a side hustle into a full-time golf business. They've sold 5,000+ shafts and specializes in helping golfers play the right equipment. In this interview, you will learn: The most common equipment mistakes. Why golf is the ultimate adrenaline rush. His epic round playing with Jordan Spieth. The best way to prepare for golf tournaments. Why scratch golf is nothing like professional golf. How he turned a golf side hustle into a full-time business. What he learned from nearly a decade of professional golf. Learn more about Old Town Golf Shop to get discount shafts so you can play better fast. Don't forget to follow Old Town Golf on Instagram too. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Decade Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing")


