

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 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).

19 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 1h 13min
Michael Nordberg - From 17 to 9 HDCP Without Swing Changes (Flashback Friday)
Michael Nordberg, a former baseball player turned golfer, shares his journey to lowering his handicap from 17 to 9 without making swing changes. He attributes his success to smart course management and a focus on his short game. Discover how he utilized DECADE Golf strategies for better shot selection and significantly increased his driver speed with the Rypstick. Nordberg's positive self-talk and consistent practice habits reveal the mental side of golf, proving that mindset can be just as crucial as technique.

Dec 23, 2025 • 24min
455: Recapping My 2025 Season (Costs, Wins, & Losses)
Reflecting on the year is crucial for improvement. Highlights include Michael's personal wins and memorable moments from tournaments, alongside fitness and mental game victories. He dives into his stats, revealing strong driving distances but pinpointing weaknesses in short-game saves. Plans are laid out for new strategies in the coming year, encouraging listeners to audit their own seasons. Documenting successes and identifying areas for growth can lead to a sharper 2026!

Dec 18, 2025 • 50min
454: Alyssa Morahan - From D1 College Golfer to Elite Mental Golf Coach
Alyssa Morahan, a former D1 college golfer and now an elite mental game coach, dives into the world of sports psychology. She discusses how to conquer perfectionism and fear, providing practical tips for golfers to perform under pressure. Alyssa emphasizes the power of journaling and reflection, recommending alternative methods for self-assessment. She introduces techniques like WIN and the three R's to help players regain focus mid-game, and encourages embracing discomfort to enhance enjoyment and performance on the course.

8 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 37min
453: 12 Must-Hear Lessons From 2025 to Dominate Next Year
>>Take the 450th podcast episode player survey to enter into tons of awesome gifts! >>Get my new book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula (Audible version coming soon). In this solo episode, I break down the biggest lessons I learned in 2025—from my own tournament season AND from interviewing 100+ of the smartest coaches, players, and experts in golf. These insights changed my game… and they can change yours going into 2026. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your offseason is the #1 predictor of next season's success How fitness became the cheat code for more distance, stamina, and confidence The simple DECADE strategy that helped me hit more greens than ever Why creative wedge practice beats mindless reps The mindset shift that helps you stay calmer and make better decisions How routines make golf feel easier — especially under pressure Press play and take these lessons into your best golf year ever. 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).

Dec 15, 2025 • 2min
Don't Miss the BIGGEST Wicked Smart Golf Promotion Ever!
>>Take the 450th podcast episode player survey to enter into tons of awesome gifts! Thanks for helping support the podcast for 450 episodes! Please take this short survey to get entered into the Wicked Smart Golf giveaway. I'll be choosing winners for: One 45-minute coaching session ($397 value) Two memberships to Wicked Smart Golf Academy ($997 value) Two memberships to the Ultimate Offseason ($397 value) Three members to the Pre-Shot Like a Pro online program ($197 value) Amazing prizes for top training aids and golf gadgets to play wicked smart. We're giving away a WhyGolf Putting Thing, GolfForever Swing Trainer + 1 year subscription, Tour Tempo Masterclass, Voice Caddie SC300i Launch Monitor & Shot Pattern App Access for 1 year! Answers MUST be submitted by December 18th at 11:59pm PST. Thanks for supporting Wicked Smart Golf!

Dec 12, 2025 • 1h 17min
Landon Michelson: How to Shift Your Self Belief for Better Golf (Flashback Friday)
Landon Michelson, a holistic golf instructor and former pro who competed on various tours, shares invaluable insights on the mental game of golf. He recounts a wild US Open story and emphasizes the importance of self-belief, especially in putting. Listeners learn techniques to manage spiraling emotions mid-round, the power of pre-round routines, and how to harness anger for motivation. Landon also discusses the contrast between swing feelings and thoughts, and his unique warm-up philosophy to prepare mentally before a game.

39 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 1h 2min
452: Marcus Potter - Proven Putting Secrets From a PGA Coach
This week features Marcus Potter, a PGA Tour putting coach renowned for transforming the games of both junior players and tour professionals. He shares the secrets behind effective putting, emphasizing the crucial role of setup and the benefits of practicing with a metronome for tempo. Marcus discusses the importance of using eye position and weight distribution to improve stroke accuracy. He also provides tips for enhancing green reading skills and suggests indoor practice techniques that maintain consistent performance. Tune in for essential advice to help lower your scores!

Dec 9, 2025 • 1h 8min
451: Michael Leonard - Overcoming Pressure and Slumps for Consistent Golf
Michael Leonard, a full-time golf writer and mental golf coach, discusses how to overcome pressure and slumps for consistent play. He emphasizes the importance of building a highlight reel for confidence and provides strategies to manage expectations in tournament vs. casual settings. Michael shares insights on the eight-second pre-shot rule, the power of mindful routines, and how emotional patterns affect performance. Plus, he reveals how documenting your rounds can be a game-changer in improving skills.

26 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 55min
450: Mark Immelman - Gratitude, Practice, & Finding the Right Coach
>>Take the 450th podcast episode player survey to enter into tons of awesome gifts! Mark Immelman is back for part 2! If you don't know the golf legend, he is a 3-time all American, former professional golfer, sports agent, broadcaster, podcast host of On the Mark with 700+ episodes w/7 million downloads worldwide, college coach, swing coach & author. Today, we're discussing some of the best lessons from his new book, Lessons From The Best, which is available on Back9Press or Amazon. In this episode, you will learn: The power of gratitude. The art of goal setting in golf. Why you need one clear goal with practice. How to bounce back from tournament rounds. His take on putting and how it moves the needle on your game. A controversial opinion on golf coaching (and how to find someone you trust). 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. 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).


