

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

Jul 2, 2024 • 18min
280: 7 Practice Aids I've Used to Become a Plus Handicap
The second pillar to playing wicked smart golf is learning to practice like a pro. Stop going to the driving range or short game area and hoping for the best. Instead, use these seven training aids, tools, and gadgets to 10X your practice sessions. iRange Sports Stick. Record your swing and document your journey. Use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10% on yours. Rapsodo Launch Monitor & Golf Simulator. My new favorite launch monitor that will transform your practice sessions. It also has 30,000 golf courses, practice combines, works indoors/outdoors, dual camera, and more amazing features. DECADE Golf. The best course management system in golf also has tons of practice resources from driving to putting. Use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 20% on your subscription. Indoor Putting Mat - Even if you're busy, you can practice your putting at home to transform your short game. My favorites are the Breaking Ball and PrimePutt mat. Rypstick Speed Trainer. Add distance with speed training 3X per week! Use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10% and it also comes with a free swing analysis from the founder (and my current coach, Dr. Luke Benoit). Tour Aim. Improve your alignment and use this easy training aid for tons of practice routines. Golf journal/notes. Log notes during and after your practice sessions so you can break out of slumps quickly. If your game needs help, make sure to consider working with Dr. Luke Benoit, he's helping my game and I can't wait for part two of my season. Join Practice Like a Pro - FREE Video Series 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")

Jun 28, 2024 • 4min
279: Never Forget the 1st Lesson of Wicked Smart Golf
If you read my book (or listened to the audio version) I hope you remember the first chapter. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. When you play with an attitude of gratitude, you learn to accept bad shots and appreciate good shots. You learn to… Swing with more freedom and fewer expectations. Enjoy the moment and not stress over a short putt you missed. Cherish the memories that golf allows you to create with incredible people. Too many golfers put so much pressure on themselves to hit perfect golf shots, despite working a full-time job and not practicing enough, somehow thinking that expectations will somehow make you play better. As Tony Robbins said, "Trade your expectations for appreciation and the world changes instantly." 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%) 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")

Jun 27, 2024 • 1h 7min
278: Charlie Beljan - The Grind of Pro Golf & Overcoming Addictions
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 grind of mini tour life. About his battles at Q-school. His rock bottom moment that changed his life. The heartbreaking story about Grayson Murray. How one remark from Tom Watson got him to quit smoking cigarettes instantly. What it was like winning on the PGA Tour while dealing with an anxiety attack. How he battled with alcohol, anxiety, and depression while still playing golf at the highest levels. Make sure to follow Charlie Beljan on Instagram and share this episode with your friends, family, and golf buddies. 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%) 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")

7 snips
Jun 25, 2024 • 18min
277: 5 Proven Practice Tips to Break 80 Consistently
>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Do you want to break 80? If so, you need to practice the right way! Today I'll reveal 5 proven strategies to improve each practice session so you can shoot in the 70s more often. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: Why you need a stock driver shot. An easy 30-minute putting routine. How to practice your short game effectively. Why speed only sessions can help gain speed fast. How a wedge matrix can help you improve your proximity. Resources Mentioned in this Episode Become a "Wedge Wizard" (10-Page FREE Guide) Join Practice Like a Pro (FREE Video Series) Prime Putt Putting Green Also, don't forget to record your swing with an iRange Sport Stick (use code "wickedsmart" to save 10%). WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES 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%) 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")

Jun 21, 2024 • 4min
276: Why You Need to Start Tracking Your Routine
If you want to play better golf FAST, you need a pre-shot routine. But the important thing to do is to make sure you stick with it (even if you're playing bad). Learn the importance of tracking your routine and how it'll transform your game. Grab my FREE pre-shot routine checklist now. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Decade Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Pre-Shot Like a Pro - The fastest way to develop consistent routines. 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
Jun 20, 2024 • 53min
275: Kyle Rodes - Becoming a +7HDCP & Stop Hitting Draws
Today's guest is Kyle Rodes - a caddy, player coach, +7 handicap mini-tour pro in Florida who has an incredible golf swing but an even better mindset. In this interview, you can learn so much to apply to all aspects of your game including mental game, short game tips, and better course management skills. When you listen to this interview, you will learn: Effective pressure drills. How he became a +7 handicap. How to play your best under pressure. Why you should get playing lessons on the course. His experience getting through US Open local qualifiers. The importance of launch monitors and how they can help your game. Remember, better golf doesn't mean changing your swing. It's about doing the little things on the course that make a massive difference in your score. Plus, Kyle's enthusiasm towards the game is addictive and inspiring. Enjoy this interview! Follow Kyle on Instagram and DM for 1:1 online/in-person coaching or check his website. Make sure to grab the FREE Tournament Golf checklist to improve your confidence in competition. 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%) 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")

6 snips
Jun 18, 2024 • 19min
274: 7 Lessons from the US Open (Play Like the Pros)
Do you want to play better fast? Learn from the pros so you can lower your handicap and think more consistently. When you listen to this interview, you will learn: The real reason Rory missed his final putt. Why you should stop standing over the ball too long. Why patience is the secret ingredient to lower scores. How the right clubs and equipment can transform your game. And more lessons to play like the pros. Become a wedge wizard with my free short game guide. 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%) 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")

Jun 14, 2024 • 5min
273: Do You Have the Right Goal for Every Round?
Stop setting score goals and start focusing on being committed on every shot. When you set score goals, you're making a hard game even more difficult. Instead, stick to your routine and process to get the results that you want. 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%) 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")

27 snips
Jun 13, 2024 • 1h 3min
REPLAY: Dr. Izzy Justice - Learn GYRA Golf to Hack Your Mental Game
GRYA Golf will change your game forever. I'd argue it's one of the best golf books ever and I've read hundreds! I've seen first hand how it can help your mental game and had some of my best tournament rounds ever once applying these principles. The author is Dr. Izzy Justice and I'm lucky to talk with today on the show. As noted on his website, "Dr. Izzy Justice is a sports neuroscientist and inventor of the ground-breaking technology The Brain Trackman™ who has authored 8 books over the course of 30 years on the topic of Emotional Intelligence." He's also trained and certified more than 300 coaches in EQ in golf, basketball, football, triathlons, and more. Speaking of triathlons he's done more than 40 including 8 half iron mans and 5 full iron mans. In our interview we cover: Why golf is 93% mental The five doors to the brain How to bounce back after bad shots. How a yellow card can get you out of stress quickly Why you should treat a round of golf like a "spa day" (this was an a-ha moment) Make sure to buy GYRA Golf on Amazon now (it's one of the BEST investments you can make in your golf game). Connect with Dr. Justice on Twitter/X, Instagram and his website for more tips. 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%) 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")

7 snips
Jun 11, 2024 • 21min
272: Billy Mayfair Recap - 7 Easy Lessons For Lower Scores
You won't want to miss this Billy Mayfair recap as I'm sharing the seven biggest points from our 2-part interview. Plus, I share how I've applied these lessons in my game so you can play better without swing changes. When you listen, you will learn: Why short game is everything. How a golf journal can change your game. The importance of food/water on the back 9. Why you can't help your putter at the driving range. How a mental golf coach can help you get out of a slump, have more fun, and create a game plan to improve. And a lot more. Decade Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Make sure to watch Wicked Smart Golf on YouTube for new videos every week. Learn more about mental golf coaching by emailing me - michael@wickedsmartgolf.com. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing")


