

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

25 snips
Apr 25, 2024 • 1h 16min
252: Bo Watson & Shannon Shuskey - How to Get in the Zone Fast
>>Don't forget to join Wicked Smart Golf Academy by 4/30 for the lowest price yet! Bo Watson and Shannon Shuskey are the co-authors of In the Zone Secrets - a new golf book that teaches unique principles to tap into your potential and upgrade your mental game. Bo is an accomplished player and operated the Watson School of Golf. But he quit in 2016 after losing his passion for the game and was spilling over into the results with his clients. In 2018 Bo met Shannon Shuskey - an Olympic speed skating coach - and learned a new mental technique that changed his game. This is when "In the Zone" mental training started and now they're on a mission to help others. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: How "power-talk" can transform your game. Why you need to train your mind off the course. How emotion is the secret to mental rehearsal & visualization. The difference between the inner coach vs. the inner critic. How pscyhoneuromusclar training is the secret hack to getting in the zone. And a lot more. Learn more about In the Zone Secrets book and learn more on their website now. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro 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") Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.

Apr 23, 2024 • 19min
251: 5 Golf Myths That Lead to Higher Scores & Blowup Holes
>>Register for the FREE Mental Golf Training for today- Tuesday (4/23 at 4pm PST). Ready to lower your handicap, play more consistently and avoid blowup holes? Then you need to avoid these five common golf myths that are holding you back from playing your best. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: How to swing your swing. Why a low and slow tempo is HORRIBLE advice. That laying up is the wrong strategy a lot of times. How one shot shape leads to more fairways & greens. That driver is typically the best strategy instead of 3W. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES >>Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy. Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing") Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.

Apr 19, 2024 • 5min
250: Why Nerves Make You Leave Putts Short (3 Fixes)
Learn why it's so important to deal with adrenaline so you don't leave putts short. I'll help you with three simple tips to make more putts. WICKED SMART GOLF PUTTING RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching 10X your confidence on the greens with the Look and Shoot Method. Get my FREE guide to become a Clutch Putter. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing") Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.

10 snips
Apr 18, 2024 • 1h
249: Justin Kraft - How to Develop Skills & Avoiding Bad Golf Advice
>>Register for the FREE Mental Golf Training next Tuesday (4/23 at 4pm PST). Justin Kraft (@kraftygolf on IG) has been coaching for over 5 years and has given over 5000 in-person & online lessons and work with golfers of all skill levels. He played in college, is the Director of Instructor at Spring Hill GC in MN, rated Best Golf Teacher by Golf Digest, and also TPI Certified. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: How he quit banking to go all in on golf. The right way to record your golf swing. The difference between skills vs. mechanics. His "worst" and best moments in his golf career. How Justin's Instagram helped me cure my shanks! Some of the worst golf advice that is holding you back from playing your best golf. Why you should avoid low and slow on the course but use when making swing changes. Why you should only hit one shot shape on the course but learn how hit all shots at the range. Make sure to follow Justin Kraft on Instagram and get 1:1 lessons via Skillest. Use iRange Sports Stick to record your swing (10% off using the code "wickedsmart"). WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES >>Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy. Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing") Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.

5 snips
Apr 16, 2024 • 21min
248: 10 Masters Lessons/DECADE Recap to Help Jumpstart Your Season
Join DECADE Golf (20% off using the code WICKEDSMART). The Masters is done and we have a lot to learn! Today learn 10 lessons from the Masters + an extensive recap from Scott Fawcett's Decade 2-Part interview. Also, don't forget to listen to my episode on Mark Immelman's podcast, "On the Mark" to learn more about my golf story and playing consistent golf. In this episode, you will learn: Why you need to embrace challenging conditions. How a pre-shot putting routine can help you stop 3-putting. Why 2024 is the time to work on your short game a lot more often. Why it's so important to remember bad shots happen and how you can still play great golf How Decade Golf can help you make better decisions (enter code "Wickedsmart" to save 20% on your subscription). Wicked Smart Golf Resources in this Episode Learn from Decade to master course management. Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing") Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.

Apr 12, 2024 • 4min
247: Stop Mindlessly Practicing 3-Footers (Do This Instead)
Short putts are crucial, but that doesn't mean you need to practice 3-footers over and over again (sorry Phil). In this 5-minute Friday episode, I share how to practice the short putts more efficiently, based on the episode with Dr. Luke Benoit. WICKED SMART GOLF PUTTING RESOURCES Get my FREE guide to become a Clutch Putter. Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching 10X your confidence on the greens with the Look and Shoot Method. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing") Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.

Apr 11, 2024 • 52min
246: Scott Fawcett - The Truth About Doubles and How to Practice Putting
>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Today on Wicked Smart Golf, I'm joined by Scott Fawcett for part 2 of our epic interview. the creator of DECADE Golf. Scott is known as the "moneyball of golf" and uses data to help make decisions easier as his revolutionary course management system is changing the way golf is played. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: More about caddying for Will Zalatoris. Why a double bogey is 6X as bad as bogey. The TRUTH about random practice vs. block practice. Why you need to worry about speed during putting practice. His experience at USGA Mid-Am's and running into buzzsaw competitors. And a lot more wisdom to play better golf without swing changes by learning to make better decisions. Need a Decade Golf coupon code? Enter "WICKEDSMART" to save 20% off your subscription. Don't forget to check out Wicked Smart Golf Academy if you're a committed golfer who wants to lower your handicap (without swing changes). Click here to read my full review of Decade now.

Apr 11, 2024 • 2min
Michael Leonard featured "On the Mark Podcast"
Hey listeners - Wicked Smart Golf is getting Masters week started out with a bang! I was fortunate enough to be a guest on Mark Immelman's "On the Mark" podcast and it dropped today. When you listen, you will learn: How Wicked Smart Golf was born What it takes to play "consistent" golf Why the mental game is so important on & off the course The worst college tee shot ever and how it shaped my future And a lot more. Make sure to listen to today's episode of On the Mark Podcast. >>Listen on Apple >>Listen on Spotify

Apr 9, 2024 • 1h 6min
245: Scott Fawcett - The Power of Routines & Top Mental Tips
>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Also check out Wicked Smart Golf Academy - open for enrollment now! Today on Wicked Smart Golf, I'm joined by Scott Fawcett, the creator of DECADE Golf. Scott is known as the "moneyball of golf" and uses data to help make decisions easier as his revolutionary course management system is changing the way golf is played. I'm a HUGE fan of Decade and recommend it for all my mental golf coaching students. This system has worked with top amateurs, college players, and pros like Bryson DeChambeau, Will Zalatoris, and countless others. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: How and why Scott started Decade Golf Why you need to plan for shot dispersion Why he broke EVERY club in the bag once Scott's cool experience at the Augusta National The secret behind Tiger's greatness (HINT: it's not his swing) Why Decade is much more than a course management system His amazing experience with Will Zallatoris during his amateur days And a lot more wisdom to play better golf without swing changes by learning to make better decisions. Need a Decade Golf coupon code? Enter "WICKEDSMART" to save 20% off your subscription. >>Click here to read my full review of Decade now. >>Click here to join DECADE Golf with a 20% discount from Wicked Smart Golf. Or use "WICKEDSMART" at checkout to get this epic deal.

Apr 5, 2024 • 4min
244: The Only Driver Practice Drill You Need
Remember, you only need ONE shot shape to play your best golf. Get the Decade Golf 20% discount here (or enter code WICKEDSMART at checkout). And make sure to check out Practice Like a Pro - my FREE video series to practice more efficiently. 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") Lastly, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.


