

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

Nov 17, 2023 • 4min
191: Why You SHOULD Remember Bad Shots Post Round
Controversial opinion - remember really bad shots. Listen to learn why you need to remember bad shots so you can process bad shots and clear your mind for future greatness. 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. 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.

Nov 16, 2023 • 1h 2min
190: Michael Leonard on Beating Hulk Rage, Golf Writing, & Q-School
Ready to play better and fall in love with the game even more? You'll love this episode where I was the guest on The Mental Golf Show hosted by Josh Nichols. Josh was a guest on the show (episode #168) and highly suggest you listen to that episode after this if you haven't as well. You'll learn: How I dropped 50 shots in high school. Breaking down what is the mental game. What it's like to go to Q-school and compete in high level events. Why you should play in golf tournaments to reach your potential. Life of a golf writer and publishing more than 3,000,000 words online. Connect with Josh on the links below: Host of The Mental Golf Show Twitter: @joshlukenichols Instagram: joshlukenichols Owner of Foundations Mental Performance 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 15, 2023 • 11min
Wicked Smart Golf Academy & FREE Mental Coaching
ANNOUNCEMENT: Wicked Smart Golf Academy is LIVE* Are you ready to play more consistent golf? If you want to break 90, break 80, or even become a scratch golfer get excited. Today is the official launch of Wicked Smart Golf Academy. This online training program is designed to help you play better golf without swing changes. Consider this your key to consistently scoring well on the golf course. What's so cool about this program is that it draws on my own experience as a +2.8 tournament golfer. If you're ready to: Shoot lower scores. Reach your scoring potential. Discover how to stay focused during the round. Learn how to take your range game to the golf course. Stop 3-putting and having low confidence on the greens. Improve your mental game so you can enjoy rounds a lot more. And most of all, play more consistently, Wicked Smart Golf Academy is for you. Wicked Smart Golf Academy includes FIVE video training series (and more): Pre-Shot Like a Pro: Learn how finally develop a pre-shot routine for your full swing, short game, and putting. Score Like a Scratch Golfer: Learn how to think your way around the course to score more consistently. From tee Ultimate Golf Offseason: Discover how to make the most of your offseason with mental and physical strategies to show up in 2024 ready to go. Tournament Golf Formula: Learn everything you need to know about playing in competitive golf... from finding tournaments, practice rounds, yardage books, dealing with nerves, and more. Practice Like a Pro: Learn how to finally make the most of your practice time so you can improve in all areas of the game for 10X more confidence. Not to mention more programs coming soon. Plus, when you enroll before December 1st you will get a FREE 1:1 mental golf coaching to address any issues you're facing. This is worth more than the program itself but want to give you Learn more about Wicked Smart Golf Academy now. Join by December 1st to get a FREE 1:1 mental golf coaching call.

Nov 14, 2023 • 14min
189: Comparing SuperSpeed vs. The Stack Speed Training
Speed training is one of the best ways to improve your game in the offseason. Trackman found that for every 1 MPH you add to your clubhead speed equates to about three extra yards of distance. If you can add 5 MPH you'll hit it 15 yards (or so) longer, have shorter approach shots, and overall, make golf easier. Don't sleep on speed training! Today I'll compare two of the most common speed training programs - Superspeed Golf and The Stack System. I've used both and have found a ton of success with my driver speed about 110 mph on average. You'll learn more about both programs and which one is the best option to help you gain speed this offseason. Learn more about SuperSpeed Golf. Learn more about The Stack System. 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 10, 2023 • 3min
188: Take a Digital Detox to Get in the Zone
Learn why you need to avoid your phone so you can access the zone, have more fun, and be a better playing partner. Make sure to listen to episode #177 to learn from Dr. Justice and 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.

Nov 9, 2023 • 18min
187: 10 PROVEN Golf Offseason Tips (Pt 2 of 2)
In this episode we'll cover part 2 of 10 proven tips to help your game this offseason. Part one (186) was all about the mental game but today we'll focus more on equipment, fitness, and short game. When you listen to this episode you will learn: Hank Haney's 100 swing per day rule. The fastest way to drop shots this offseason (without leaving home). The easiest way to add 10-15 yards to your game this offseason. The two most important clubs in your bag and why they matter so much. And a lot more. Related Episode 101 - Camden Nierman Answers All Your Club Fitting Questions Breaking Ball Putting Mat Lag Shot Swing Trainer Grip Trainer How to Increase Swing Speed WICKED SMART GOLF PRACTICE RESOURCES 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. 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. Dominate your practice and fitness with the Under Par Golf App. 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 7, 2023 • 23min
186: 10 PROVEN Golf Offseason Tips (Pt 1 of 2) - Mental Edition
The golf offseason is here and it's time to make the most of your time by becoming wicked smart golf! Today is part 1 of 2 to make the most of your offseason so you can create a plan and get to work. In this mental golf episode you will learn: A way to customize your mental game. The only thing all great players have in common. How Decade Golf can help you automate your thinking for better decisions on the golf course. Why a brain dump is one of the BEST things you can do to gain mental clarity and assess your game. How a mindfulness practice can increase self-awareness to make better decisions on the golf course. Remember there is SO much you can do in the offseason that has nothing to do with swing changes. Listen to these tips so you can become wicked smart this offseason. 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 3, 2023 • 4min
185: STOP Thinking About Your Golf Swing So Much
Learn why you should STOP thinking about your golf swing so much and why a "perfect swing" doesn't exist. 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 2, 2023 • 14min
184: Q&A - How Should I Practice With a Golf Simulator?
How do you practice with a golf simulator? This is a great question to help you make the most of your offseason. The key to making the most of your time when hitting in the SIM by practicing with purpose. When you listen you'll learn: Why you MUST dial in your distances. Why I have three wedge distances for each club. How to speed train inside even if you don't have speed training software. The importance of creating a pre-shot routine in the offseason to mentally prepare for every shot. And a lot more. 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. 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.

Oct 31, 2023 • 14min
REPLAY - 5 Golf Course Management Mistakes to Avoid
Learn five of the biggest golf course management mistakes to avoid so you can play better every single round. Remember, your best golf is NOT all about a perfect swing, it's about thinking your way around the golf course. How to Start Playing Wicked Smart Golf Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching 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.


