

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

May 19, 2023 • 3min
120: STOP Thinking About Your Score - Here's Why
Learn the easiest way to shoot lower scores without changing your swing using this simple hack. Here's how Wicked Smart Golf can help you: 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.

May 18, 2023 • 1h 1min
119: John Weir - Use Your Mind to Unlock Your True Golf Potential
Golf is a game played between your ears more than you realize. But if you're like most golfers you might overwhelmed with all the mental golf advice out there. So I brought back John Weir, the creator of Mental Golf Type, to help you understand how to use your mind to shoot lower scores. John has a unique understanding of the mind as a professional caddy, author, hypnotist, and peak performance specialist. He's helped my game tremendously and his first appearance on the show (episode #62) is a true master class on understanding your mental golf type. Today we're going to dive even deeper to help you understand how to calm the mind, stay out of stress, and tap into your true potential on the golf course. When you listen to this episode you'll learn: How stress impacts your ability to get in the zone. Why most sports psychology advice doesn't work. How your mind plays a big role in the short game. Why peak performance is NOT a one size fits all approach. The #1 question to ask yourself on every putt to 10X your confidence. Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Don't forget to use the code WICKEDSMART for 25% off on all Mental Golf Type products. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE). 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.

May 16, 2023 • 16min
REPLAY: Summer Golf Tournaments - 7 Tips to Play Your Best in Competition
PLAYER SURVEY - https://forms.gle/SDihgdBzdyHXK3Dc7 (fill this short survey out to get entered into a $10 Amazon gift card and FREE mental golf coaching). If you're like most golfers, chances are you have some fun summer golf tournaments coming up. Whether it's a member-member, member-guest, USGA qualifier, or a fun trip with your buddies to a bucket list course, it's time to dial in your game. Because let's get real, tournament golf is NOT like normal golf. Tournaments ratchet up the pressure 10X and I've seen scratch players shoot in the 80s and single digit handicaps shoot in the mid 90s... the beauty of competition. In this episode, I'll help you: Reframe nerves to play better Improve your mental game when bad shots happen Reset expectations so you don't add extra pressure on yourself Understand why you need to master your pre-shot routine in practice Why practicing too much can actually crush your confidence (and what to do instead) 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.

May 12, 2023 • 4min
118: The Tiger Woods Trigger You Should Use Every Round
Learn the the Tiger Woods trigger you should use every round. As you know, golf is a game of precision, patience, and focus. It requires you to be in the zone, fully present and aware of you surroundings, and able to manage emotions. One way that you can achieve this state of mind is by using a "trigger" to get into the zone and manage your emotions. A trigger is a physical or mental cue that can help focus attention and energy on the task at hand, blocking out distractions and negative thoughts. One example of a trigger used by golfers is the glove, and it has been used by many top golfers, including Tiger Woods. The glove serves as a physical cue for golfers to enter into a performance bubble, a mental state where you are focused on the task at hand and able to manage their emotions. 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.

May 11, 2023 • 17min
117: 6 Lessons After Quitting My Career 6 Years Ago to Play Golf (GIVEAWAY)
FREE GIVEAWAY (read below) 6 years ago today - May 11th, 2017 I left the corporate world with almost no experience with two goals... build an online business + pursue professional golf. While the pro golf dream is long gone, high level amateur golf is still very much alive. And somehow, I've been able to build a few online businesses including this one to avoid going back to corporate America. When you listen you will learn: Why you need to "swing your swing" How to have more fun and play better every round The importance of getting clear about your golf goals And a lot more. Plus, since it's a celebration I wanted to share what I've learned in this journey to help your golf game. Fill out this short survey and I'll select the 10 best answers to get a $10 Amazon gift card. Plus, two golfers will be selected for a FREE 1:1 mental golf coaching call. 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.

May 9, 2023 • 23min
116: Recapping One of my Worst Rounds Ever - Must Listen
I'm not going to sugar coat it - this was a raw and real mental golf episode. Recently I had one of my worst qualifiers ever - not only score wise but mental game wise too. I was ashamed of my actions but with the help of my mental golf coach, John Weir, I've been able to learn a lot from a terrible round. In this episode you will learn: What to do after a bad round. Why you need to forgive yourself from mistakes. How bad rounds can lead to the biggest breakthroughs. And a lot more. Just remember, golf is hard and like life, will test you at times. But the good news is that when used correctly, your "bad rounds" can fuel change and greatness. I hope being raw and real with you guys will help you become better players and enjoy the game a lot more. If I can help with any of your mental golf struggles, please let me know by shooting me an email (michael@wickedsmartgolf.com). Thanks for the support! 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.

May 5, 2023 • 5min
115: The EASIEST But Unsexy Way to Save Shots Around the Green
When you miss the green, follow this rule: If you can putt it, putt it. If you can't putt it, chip it. If you can't chip it, pitch it. One of most golfers' biggest mistakes is chipping or pitching instead of putting from off the green. Golf is all about the odds and playing the percentages to manage your way to lower scores. You are much more likely to hit it closer to the hole with a putter than with a wedge. Sure, it's not as sexy to putt from off the green as it is a high pitch, but it's the higher percentage play. Keep the ball on the ground (or lower to the ground), so once it hits the green, it rolls like a putt. When you're off the green and choose to putt, you don't need to make many changes either. The only thing you have to worry about is the amount of fringe between you and the green. If it's thicker fringe, you will need to hit it harder. If it's thin and mowed tight, you can putt it nearly the exact same as you would if it was on the green. Here's how Wicked Smart Golf can help you: 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. 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.

May 4, 2023 • 13min
114: Q&A - How Do I Stay Focused During the Round?
Do you struggle to stay focused every round? If so, just know you're not alone! This is something I've struggled with in the past and want to share my best tips in this Q&A episode of Wicked Smart Golf. When you listen you will learn: The two types of focus. How to finish strong every round. Why you need to know your personality type to optimize your energy levels. Don't try to focus like a robot for the entire round; it won't make you play better. It will just wear you down sooner. Give it maximum effort on each shot by focusing when you need to and taking a mental break between shots. 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.

May 2, 2023 • 21min
113: How a Short Game Routine Can Save 3-5 Shots Every Round
If you're like most golfers chances are you have a pre-shot routine but what about a short game routine? Here's the thing... to play your best golf, you NEED to master your routines around the greens. Otherwise, you're giving up tons of strokes by letting nerves, doubt, and fear get in the way. But if you watch the best golfers in the world you will notice their short game routine is NOTHING like their long game. This is why it's crucial to develop a short game routine that will help you with chipping/pitching. 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.

Apr 28, 2023 • 4min
112: The Simple Gratitude Trick to Play Better and Have More Fun
Your attitude is everything on the golf course (and in life). So many players have a bad attitude on the links and wonder why they don't score like they want. To play better golf and set yourself up for a better mental game, change your attitude to gratitude. Being grateful is something you control and can have a massive impact on your game. Here's what Harvard Health said about the power of gratitude: "In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships." Gratitude equals happiness. If you're happier on the golf course, you won't get as frustrated or emotional, enjoy good shots more, feel better during and after the round, have the mental strength to deal with bad shots, and create better relationships. This comes from simply being grateful. 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.


