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
Sep 12, 2023 • 18min
164: 7 Lessons from Shooting My Lowest Round in 2023
Every round of golf can teach you a ton about your game - both good and bad rounds. A few weeks ago I had my best round of the year (68) and went on win the tournament after a 71 on day two. Listen to learn 7 lessons to play your best golf - regardless of handicap - to reach your potential. Mental Resources 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.
Sep 8, 2023 • 4min
163: Tee It Forward to Go Low (Bryson's Scoring Trick)
Learn why you need to tee it forward in practice to go low and 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.
Sep 7, 2023 • 28min
162: Recapping My First Amateur WIN: -5 in 36 Holes
You don't get to win a lot in golf so this episode was fun to recap my first amateur victory for a multiple day event. I've had a few one day wins over the past few years but this one was special. I'll take you through the highs and lows of the round with some mental game strategies to take your game to the next level. Hopefully it'll give you inspiration to play your best golf and keep pushing to reach your goals. 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.
Sep 5, 2023 • 15min
REPLAY: 5 Pre-Shot Routine Mistakes That Cost You 5+ Strokes
Your pre-shot routine (or lack thereof) is costing you strokes every single round. A good routine is your bridge from the range to the course. As Dr. Bob Rotella said, "Your routine is your wingman on the golf course." To play your best you need a routine... but you need to time it right with the correct rituals to make it effective. In this episode you'll learn: The timing of a great routine. How a good routine primes your mind. Why most golfers can't visualize their ideal shot. Why you should never take a specific amount of practice swings. And a lot more. 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.
Sep 1, 2023 • 4min
161: Anticipate Bad Things Happening to Play Better
Learn why you should anticipate some bad things to happen during the round so you can manage expectations and master your mental game for lower scores. 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.
Aug 31, 2023 • 1h 2min
160: Learning From Bad Rounds & Falling in Love With the Game
Today I'm sharing an episode where I was a guest on T-Time with Tori Totlis. She was a previous guest on this show and shared tons of advice to thrive in tournament golf. Tara and Tori sit down with me to discuss my journey from novice golfer to competitor in US Open qualifiers, college golf and how I rekindled his love for the sport. During our conversation, we shared stories about unforgettable golf vacations, like my family trip to Pebble Beach where I practiced three times a day and managed to shoot an impressive 79 at Pebble and 73 at Spyglass. We also delved into the impact of the new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules on college athletes and offered advice for younger players looking to pursue a career in college golf. Plus, talk about overcoming fear and learning from bad rounds. Fear is a hurdle all golfers have to overcome more than once in their career. Through the example of one of the worst rounds Michael has ever played, we explored how to navigate the emotional roller coaster that comes along with playing competitively. We discussed the importance of a solid pre-shot routine, positive self-talk, and remaining present on the course to improve our mental game. Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women's Golf] Get in touch! Tara Bateman: Instagram Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women's Golf] Get in touch! Instagram: @tori_totlis TikTok: @tori_totlis YouTube: @tori.totlis Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com
Aug 29, 2023 • 21min
159: How GYRA Golf Can Transform Your Mental Game
GYRA Golf is one of my new favorite golf books ever. If you're ready to take your mental game to the next level Dr. Izzy Justice and GYRA Golf is just what you need. I binge read this book in about a day and implemented the tactics immediately. It resulted in one of the best mental game's I've ever had in a tournament and a quality round of golf in 110 degrees. In this episode I'll recap some of the book and share a few tips to help you get your mental game under control including: Why the mental game is 93% of golf. What it takes to get in the zone (and stay there). How to identify your emotional state after each hole. The ACT breathing technique to calm down and relax. Make sure to read GYRA Golf is you're ready to understand how the mind to unlock your best golf ever. 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.
Aug 25, 2023 • 4min
158: Use Your 5 Senses to Get in the Zone
Learn how your five senses are the keys to your subconscious and getting in the zone to play your best golf. Make sure to read GYRA Golf is you're ready to understand how the mind to unlock your best golf ever. 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.
Aug 24, 2023 • 13min
157: Q&A - What is Your Best Piece of Golf Advice?
A recent listener asked, "What is your best piece of golf advice?" Which is a great question because there is a LOT to learn about this great game. Since I couldn't pick one piece in this episode I cover five pieces - one for each pillar of playing "wicked smart golf." The five pillars to play better without swing changes include: Mental Game Mastery Practicing Like a Pro Peaceful Putting Becoming a Wedge Wizard Playing Wicked Smart Golf Use these five tips to take your game to the next level! Take this quick survey to get entered into a 1:1 FREE mental coaching call with me. Mental Resources 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.
Aug 22, 2023 • 21min
156: USGA Mid-Am Recap - I Found the Zone
Let me share my experiences in another USGA Mid-Am qualifier to learn how you can play your best under pressure. When you listen you'll learn: The 3 types of tournaments. My leaderboard lurking strategy. What to do after a bad first tee shot. How to stay calm and get in the zone. Why you should enter competitive events (even if you're a beginner). Plus, a new mental golf book that is changing the game called Gyra Golf (I binge read it in a day)... so good! Mental Resources 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.
