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
Jan 19, 2026 • 3min
The Ultimate Offseason is LIVE & On Sale This Week
A clear plan for making the offseason count, not chaotic practice. How to evaluate all 14 clubs and decide equipment upgrades. Indoor practice routines and short-game strategies to train with purpose. A simplified fitness blueprint to build a better body for golf. Pairing strength and speed training to add distance next season.
29 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 53min
Dr. Jeremy James: Build Strength, Avoid Injuries & Play Golf Forever (Fitness Friday)
Dr. Jeremy James, a golf fitness and spinal health expert who founded GolfForever, explains how to rebuild mobility, warm up properly, and avoid back problems. He covers why sitting wrecks movement, the difference between mobility and flexibility, simple assessments to find weakness, multi-plane strength work, and how to safely add speed and longevity-focused training.
60 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 1h
460: John Novosel Jr. - Use Tour Tempo to Dominate the Offseason
John Novosel Jr., creator of the Tour Tempo app and tempo researcher, helps golfers train swing rhythm and speed. He explains the 3:1 and 1:1 tempo discoveries, how tones reprogram rhythm, and why faster, properly timed swings add distance. Short game and putting use different ratios. Practical winter drills, app tools, and safe speed training are also covered.
13 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 25min
459: How "Unconscious Putting" Will Help You STOP 3-Jacks
Learn to conquer those pesky three-putts with mental strategies! Discover how to go 'unconscious' on the greens, as inspired by Dave Stockton’s book. Michael highlights the importance of visualizing your putt line and trusting your instincts, leaving the guide strokes behind. Build confidence with a personalized highlight reel of your best putts. Also, warm up effectively by hitting short putts to boost your mental game. Emphasizing routine and positive self-talk can transform your game this season!
16 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 55min
Shaun Diackhoff - 7 Golf Fitness Mistakes to Avoid (Fitness Friday)
Shaun Diackhoff, a strength and conditioning coach and TPI-certified golf fitness specialist who left the military to build Fairway Performance, breaks down common fitness pitfalls for golfers. Short takes on core work, mobility versus flexibility, avoiding social-media program-hopping, realistic expectations, and why balanced, golf-specific training matters.
Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 11min
458: Michael Leonard - Use New Year Motivation to Change Your Golf & Life
>>NEW BOOK: The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula: Train Smarter. Hit Longer. Play Forever. >>FREE: Golf Offseason Guide Today, I'm excited to share an episode from The Golfing CEO where I was a guest. I met the host, Derek Belch, at the San Diego City Amateur and became fast friends with our love of golf + business. Derek asked some insightful questions to help you learn more about my journey & inspire you to take massive action. In this episode, we'll cover: Mental game tips to help you win in golf and life. Why you need to massive action to achieve your goals. How to be "delusional" about your future (in a good way). Michael's leap from the 9-5 to pursuing golf and business. And a lot more. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Practice Like a Pro With Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible. Simplify "golf fitness" with my newest book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube
17 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 47min
457: The 5 Pillars of Golf Performance For Your Best Year Ever
Discover the five essential pillars for golf performance that can transform your game in 2026. Explore the importance of strength training, cardio tailored for golfers, and the hidden power of mobility. Learn practical nutrition tips and the benefits of speed training to add yards to your drive. Michael emphasizes the role of mindset in achieving sustainable fitness goals and shares common mistakes to avoid. Plus, get easy habits to integrate into your routine for year-round improvement!
5 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 2min
The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula is LIVE!
An announcement celebrating a new golf fitness book and what it covers. Highlights five pillars: strength, cardio, mobility and recovery, nutrition, and speed training. Describes formats available and practical strategies for longer drives, more energy, and injury prevention. Gratitude for support and a sign-off wishing listeners well.
57 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 48min
Billy Troy - How to Upgrade Your Body for Better Golf (Fitness Friday)
Unlock the secrets to better golf with expert Billy Troy! Discover the five pillars of golf fitness: mobility, balance, stability, strength, and power. Learn why strength training is crucial for longevity and injury prevention. Tackle common mistakes in planning your workouts and adopt effective routines with 30-minute sessions. Emphasize the importance of recovery and hydration to boost performance. Get ready to add distance with innovative speed training techniques and refine your warm-up with practical tips for a stronger game!
Dec 30, 2025 • 32min
456: Why Most Golf Goals Fail and How to Get 2026 Right
>>My new book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula, is live to help you master golf fitness for longer drives, more energy, and avoiding injuries. Add Distance FAST With RYPSTICK: Use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 20% on the best speed trainer in golf. Download the Wicked Smart Golf Goal Setting Worksheet. 2026 is YOUR year... The truth is, new year's motivation can transform your life. Not resolutions, but clear goals. In this episode, we'll cover: 3 goal setting mistakes The importance of weekly check ins How to make specific goals to transform your game Why your mind needs clear goals to make them happen My goals from 2025 (and why it's okay if you don't achieve them all every year) Set big goals this year, let's make some magic! WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Practice Like a Pro With Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube 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).
