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 26, 2024 • 3min
217: Stop Making This Tee Shot Mistake
Learn why you need to stop guiding the golf ball on tough tee shots so you can hit more fairways and avoid blowup holes. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching 10X your confidence putting with the Look and Shoot Method. Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice Like a Pro. 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 ("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.
Jan 25, 2024 • 59min
216: John Weir - How Your Mind Can Lower Your Handicap (FAST)
Before this interview with John Weir take your FREE Mental Golf Type Assessment now (it'll make the episode even better). When you listen, you will learn: How to avoid stress during the round. The 3 P's to playing well in tournaments. How Mental Golf Type will help you get in the zone. Different ways to visualize to improve your mental game. Why you should set birdie or par goals (not score goals). Why you're better in practice than casual rounds or competition (and how to fix it). Make sure to check out episode #62 or episode #119 to learn more about Mental Golf Type for your "mental fitting" to shoot lower scores. Learn more about Mental Golf Type 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 ("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.
Jan 23, 2024 • 12min
215: How to Play Winter Golf (7 Easy Tips)
>>Download the Pre-Shot Routine Checklist (100% FREE) to start playing more consistent golf FAST. Winter golf - it's not always fun! But if you're the type of golfer that is listening to this show chances are you'll brave the weather When you listen you'll learn seven proven strategies to play your best in the cold months, including: How to get more shots up/down. Why you need to reset expectations. The importance of a good warm up routine. How to practice on the golf course during slow days. And a lot more. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Pre-Shot Routine Checklist (100% FREE) 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 ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing")
Jan 19, 2024 • 4min
214: Steal Raymond Floyd's Easy Mental Game Tip
Learn Raymond Floyd's "memory banking technique" to remember your good shots and train your mind after every round. 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 ("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.
Jan 18, 2024 • 58min
213: Derek Deminsky - How to Become a Wedge Wizard
Does your short game need help? Are you ready to stop wasting shots around the green? If so, you'll love today's episode with Derek Deminsky of Golf Better Tuscon. Derek has nearly 150,000 followers on his Instagram and is the Director of Instruction at the Forty Niner Country Club in Tucson, AZ. He was the Southwest PGA Teacher of the Year in 2022 and works with all types of golfers - from high handicappers to PGA Tour pros. In this episode, you will learn: How to dial in wedges from 30 to 100 yards. Why the right wedges will help your short game. How a routine can prepare your mind and body for any shot. About Derek's incredible experience qualifying for a PGA Tour event. The two biggest mistakes golfer make in the bunker (and the only two shots you need from the sand). Check out Derek's website to learn more about working together and follow on Instagram more epic content. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching 10X your confidence putting with the Look and Shoot Method. Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice Like a Pro. 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 ("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.
Jan 16, 2024 • 20min
REPLAY: How a Short Game Routine Can Save 3-5 Shots Every Round
If you're like most golfers chances are you have a pre-shot routine but what about a short game routine? Here's the thing... to play your best golf, you NEED to master your routines around the greens. Otherwise, you're giving up tons of strokes by letting nerves, doubt, and fear get in the way. But if you watch the best golfers in the world you will notice their short game routine is NOTHING like their long game. This is why it's crucial to develop a short game routine that will help you with chipping/pitching. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching 10X your confidence on the greens with the Look and Shoot Method. Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice Like a Pro. Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro. Learn how to shoot lower scores every round (no swing changes): Score Like a Scratch Golfer. 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.
Jan 12, 2024 • 4min
212: Dr. Bob Rotella's Simple Advice for Reading Greens
>>Get my FREE guide to become a consistent and clutch here. Learn how to read greens quickly so you can have confidence standing over the golf ball (and make more putts). As Dr. Bob Rotella said, "I like to see players make their reads fairly quickly. Once in a while, with a long putt on a modern green that has some artificial humps, tiers, and ridges, it may be advisable to walk around a putt and see it from both sides of the hole. Do it only if you're certain that you're trying to find a way to get the ball in the hole, not looking for reasons why that's going to be hard to do." 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 ("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.
Jan 11, 2024 • 14min
211: Q&A - How I Eliminate Blowup Holes?
Grab the Mental Golf Playbook to start the quest of mastering your mind (100% FREE). Learn how to eliminate blowup holes so you can play wicked smart golf and shoot lower scores fast. In this episode, you will learn: Why blowup holes happen. The art of a post shot routine. How a swing fault might be a mental game issue. Why you need to stick to routine when you're playing bad. Make this the year you stop wasting shots so you can play your best golf. 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 ("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.
Jan 9, 2024 • 14min
210: 5 Easy Golf Resolutions to Lower Your Handicap
Today you're going to learn 5 resolutions to set for 2024 so you can lower your handicap, play more consistent, and ultimately enjoy the game more. First, make sure to download the FREE GOLF GUIDE to set yourself up for success in 2024. You will learn: A practice pivot you must make in 2024. How neglecting your mind is killing your score. Why competition is the fastest way to lower scores. Why statistic tracking is a must to practice more effective. Why having the right expectations will help you play better AND have more fun. And a lot more. Let's make 2024 your YEAR! 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 ("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.
Jan 5, 2024 • 5min
209: Stop Avoiding Mental Game Training
Learn why you should stop avoiding mental game training and how a mindfulness practice can transform your golf game (and life). To learn more about the power of meditation and/or mindfulness make sure to check out apps like Calm, Primed Mind, and Headspace. Also, make sure to download the FREE Goal Setting Guide to dominate 2024. 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 ("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.
