

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

Jul 4, 2023 • 16min
REPLAY: 2 Ways to Increase Swing Speed FAST
Speed is KING in golf. Don't get me wrong, short game (specifically putting) is imperative to great golf but you need distance too. For every extra MPH of swing speed you create with a driver equals 3 more yards of total distance. If you add 5-10 MPH to your driver swing in the offseason that 15 to 30 yards more distance. How much easier would every par 4 or 5 be if you were that much closer to the green? A longer drive means shorter approach shots and typically lower scores. Plus, who doesn't like to hit bombs! While working out can help your speed, I think speed training is much easier for the everyday golfer. In this episode, I'll take you through my off season speed training routine and the best ways for you to get started. Recommended: SuperSpeed Golf Sports Sensors Radar Voice Caddie SC 300 Launch Monitor The Stack System (recommended for more advanced golfers) WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES 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.

Jun 30, 2023 • 4min
137: An Easy Trick to Drop Bad Golf Habits
Use this easy mental hack to shoot lower scores every round and drop bad habits fast. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES 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.

Jun 29, 2023 • 50min
136: Paddy Shea - 30 Years as a "Golfpreneur"
Use the code WICKEDSMARTGOLF for 25% off on Upside Golf products. Paddy Shea is a golf industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience. He's the CEO/Founder of Upside Golf, previous develop for Zepp Labs, worked with top PGA coaches, and founded GoZone games. And a lot more in the past three decades - which we cover in this episode. When you listen you'll learn how Paddy: Got his start in the golf world. About his 30 years in the golf industry. What it's like developing best-selling golf products. Started the Special Olympics in California in 1996. And of course, some tips to play wicked smart golf. Use the code WICKEDSMARTGOLF for 25% off on Upside Golf products. Listen to the full interview now. 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.

Jun 26, 2023 • 14min
135: 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. 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.

Jun 23, 2023 • 4min
134: Quit Making This Pre-Shot Mistake
Learn the biggest mistake that most golfers make during their pre-shot routine to play better golf without swing changes. 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.

Jun 22, 2023 • 10min
133: Q&A: When Should I Play in Tournaments?
Learn when is the "right time" to start playing in golf tournaments so you can take your game to the next level. 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.

Jun 20, 2023 • 16min
132: 5 Ways to Play Like the Pros (US Open Recap)
Congrats to Wyndham Clark on an epic US Open victory. While I thought the golf course had a lot of room to improve, there's a ton you can learn from the best players in the world. Use these seven lessons to play better golf without swing changes. 2023 Us Open Recap - 7 Lessons to Play Better Fast 1. Reset Expectations The PGA Tour is a lie - here's what I mean. Rory hit several drives over 388 yards. Don't get me wrong, he's long but not that long! Those fairways were too wide and rock hard, very different from an everyday golf course. Needless to say, stop thinking what you see on TV is their averages... it's not! I spend an entire chapter in my book helping you reset expectations. 2. Stick with the Process Rickie Fowler didn't even play in the 2022 Us Open but was in the final group this year. How? By sticking with the process, staying positive, and trusting his game would return. 3. Use More Loft in Fairway Bunkers Xander made a crucial error on the third day on hole one - taking three shots to get out the fairway bunker! Remember to always take plenty of loft to escape in one shot. 4. Play the Right Equipment I can't tell you how many driving irons, 7-woods, and other high lofted woods were spotted during the tournament. The point? Play easier to hit clubs like hybrids, driving irons, and fairway woods instead of hard to hit long irons. 5. Add More Break on Long Putts Add more break to long putts so they don't miss low and keep running away from the hole. Plus, this will likely help speed control too. 6. Take Your Medicine When you're in a bad spot on the golf course, take your medicine! 7. Try Out an Arm Lock Putter Finally, maybe try out an arm lock putter like Rickie and Wyndham used! Learn How to Play 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.

Jun 18, 2023 • 7min
2023 US OPEN Rant - WTF is Happening?
I LOVE the US Open but this tournament has felt like a major let down for fans - both at the event and on TV. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES 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.

Jun 16, 2023 • 4min
131: Stop Trying to Steer Your Driver - Do This Instead
Stop steering your driver and use this 5-minute Friday episode to hit more fairways. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES 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.

Jun 15, 2023 • 16min
130: Q&A - How Do I Bounce Back after a Bad Hole?
Bad shots (and bad holes) suck... but they're part of golf. Do you let a bad hole or stretch of holes define you? Or, do you fight through it and salvage the round? After a horrific front 9 in my latest tournament, I bounced back with eight shots better on the back nine. How? By using these seven strategies which we'll cover in the podcast: 1. Stay present and don't let your mind wander 2. Commit 100% effort on the next shot (including your pre-shot routine). All it takes is one good swing to get your round headed in the right direction 3. Play safer than normal - don't try "get one back" on the next hole as it often compounds your mistakes 4. Watch your self-talk so you don't make things any harder on yourself (but don't be afraid to laugh it off either) 5. Adopt an optimistic attitude 6. Accept the challenge - it's not how you start, it's how you finish 7. Forget about your ego and worrying about what others will think Finally, make sure you keep breathing too! Don't send your mind into fight or flight mode and panic from not breathing like normal when you're stressed out on 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.


