

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

Dec 12, 2023 • 22min
200: 7 Epic Golf Gifts + Christmas Giveaway
Today is a special day, as it's episode #200 of Wicked Smart Golf podcast. To celebrate, I'm doing a giveaway for FREE mental golf coaching and access to Wicked Smart Golf Academy. To enter into this epic Christmas giveaway, complete this short survey (shouldn't take more than 3–4 minutes). Here are my seven picks for epic Christmas golf gifts: Breaking Ball Putting Green This is a great addition to help your game at home. The Breaking Ball mat helps you practice breaking putts on a flat mat thanks to custom golf balls. Make the most of your offseason, improve your putting routine, and 10x your confidence on the greens with this epic mat. iRange Sports Stick This stick is better than a tripod and lets you easily record your swing or stroke. It can live in your golf bag and let you learn more about your game than ever before. SuperSpeed Golf Hitting bombs makes golf easier. If you're new to speed training (or know someone that wants more distance), SuperSpeed Golf is the best way to get started. They have a men's, senior, ladies, and junior sizes available. Wicked Smart Golf Book Need a low-priced gift for your favorite golfer? Check out my book that has 111 ways to play better golf without swing changes. Pro Path Putting Mirror If you or someone you know struggles on the greens, a putting mirror can help. My favorite Pro Path as you can learn more about eye position, stroke arc, and shoulder alignment. I keep it in my car, so I can always fine tune my putting and use it with my indoor mat as well. Golf Forever Training Program Get ahead of your new years' fitness goals and play better golf with Golf Forever. I discovered this system a year ago at the PGA Show and can't recommend it enough. This will help you avoid injuries, add strength, improve mobility, and hopefully play better than ever. Voice Caddie SC300i Launch Monitor I've tested tons of launch monitors, but this is my favorite by far. It's a great price, provides tons of data, and has an on-screen display. Not to mention, it's easy to use (and works with or without an app too). 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.

Dec 8, 2023 • 5min
199: The Easiest Way to Mentally Prepare for Every Round
Learn how to mentally prepare for the round with a few rituals from Dr. Izzy Justice of GYRA 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.

Dec 7, 2023 • 14min
198: Q&A - Should I Do a Custom Fitting for my Putter?
Chris, a Wicked Smart Golf listener, DM'd asking, "Should I get custom fit for my putter?" The short answer is YES... as putting is 30% (or more) of all your strokes. If your putter isn't right for you, even the perfect stroke might not be good enough to help you make putts. The sooner you get fit, the sooner you'll learn how to take your game to the next level in 2024. When you listen to this episode, you'll learn: Average cost of a fitting. How a custom fit putter can help you stop 3-putting. Why a putter is 1 of 2 most important clubs to get fit for. The three things you should consider when doing a custom fitting. A fitting is one of the best ways to improve this offseason. Check out the Golf Digest article about custom fitting. Grab my FREE putting ebook to stop 3-jacking and putt more consistently. 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. 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.

Dec 5, 2023 • 12min
197: Offseason Reading - Golf's 8 Second SECRET
The offseason is the best time to upgrade your mindset and take your game to the next level. Today I want to recommend one of my favorite books, "Golf's 8-Second Secret." In this episode I'll give a quick recap of the book and you'll learn: How a routine can change your game. The 8-second secret of 5-time major winners. How to craft three routines for more consistency every round. Why most meltdowns happen from a routine that takes too long or is inconsistent. 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.

Dec 1, 2023 • 5min
196: Steal These Two Proven Offseason Practice Tips
Use these two practice tips this offseason to make effective swing changes AND add speed to crush it in 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.

Nov 30, 2023 • 22min
195: 5 Lessons After Playing a Mini Tour Event
Golf is hard - but there is a lot you can learn even from your bad shots and tough rounds. After shooting 73-71 I missed the cut in a mini tour event but learned a lot and can't wait to practice. In this episode you'll learn my five biggest takeaways to help you make the most of the offseason and play your best golf. Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy by 12/1 to receive a FREE mental golf coaching call. Or, check out Tournament Golf Formula to learn how to get started in tournaments in 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.

Nov 28, 2023 • 21min
194: 10 Mind-Blowing Stats About Scratch Golfers
Do you have a goal to become a scratch golfer? If so, you'll LOVE this episode. Today, I'll share 10 mind-blowing stats about scratch golfers from Golf Monthly. They reviewed 540 million shots and 11.5 million rounds for this incredible data. You might think, how does knowing these stats help you shoot lower scores? Mainly because you'll learn to RESET expectations and help you play better golf. You will also learn: The easiest way to hit more fairways. How to overcome fear of greenside bunkers. Why you need to club up so you can hit more GIR's. The truth about how much doubles and how to avoid. Two reasons you're three putting too often (and how to fix it). Most importantly, you'll learn how to dial in your expectations to shoot lower scores and hopefully become a scratch golfer soon! WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy Now 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.

Nov 24, 2023 • 4min
193: Avoid This Winter Golf Mistake
Learn how moisture affects the golf ball and how to gameplan on wet, cold days. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy Now 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.

Nov 23, 2023 • 8min
192: 5 Reasons to be Wildly Grateful for Golf
Thank you! I am beyond grateful for YOU... for buying the book, listening to the podcast, and following on social media. Listen to this quick episode to be grateful for golf and have a great Thanksgiving holiday. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy Now 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.

Nov 21, 2023 • 31min
REPLAY: Look and Shoot Putting System Review - How I Dropped 4 Shots Putting
>>Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy Today's episode is all about PUTTING. If you're tired of 3-putting and letting your putter drag you down... you will love this episode! After getting some coaching from Cameron Strachan and using his "Look and Shoot Putting System" I dropped nearly 5 strokes on putting from 2021 to 2022. This revolutionary system lets you get "in the zone" on the greens and tap into the power of your subconscious mind. It's the most remarkable method I've learned in more than two decades playing golf. Listen to learn why it works so well and why it might be the secret to you playing better golf. WICKED SMART GOLF PRACTICE RESOURCES To learn more about Cameron's system, make sure to check out https://www.autogolfshop.com/wicked/ Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice 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.


