

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

Apr 27, 2023 • 42min
111: Travis Zappia - How Tournament Golf Can Unleash Your True Potential
Tournament golf is NOT like a normal round of golf with your buddies. Playing in a solo competition brings out more nerves and first tee jitters than you thought possible. A tournament round will teach you a lot about your own game - both good and bad. Today, I interviewed Travis Zappia aka "The Young Retiree by 33" a friend and fellow tournament golfer. When you listen to this full interview you will learn: How to navigate the competitive golf landscape How he uses Decade Golf for optimal course management Why tournament golf can help you reach your true potential Mindset tips to speed up success and stay calm under pressure And a lot more. You will learn everything you need to know about tournament golf to take your game into a pressure packed situation and play your best. Make sure to follow Travis on Instagram @youngretireeby33 or his golf account @justshortgolf. 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 25, 2023 • 18min
REPLAY: How to Overcome Golf Nerves FAST (9 Tips)
Golf nerves are real but these 9 strategies can help you overcome them for good! Golfers get so nervous with first tee jitters and nerves that it can ruin your round... but when you learn to master your mind you can play great (even under pressure). Don't forget golf nerves aren't always a bad thing either. As Tiger Woods said, "If you're not nervous, it means you don't care." Even the GOAT still gets nervous on the golf course... but it's crucial to get them under control so you can score low under pressure. Listen to learn tips you can do before and during the round to overcome golf nerves and play more consistently. Related Episodes Mentioned - Episode 35: Steve Woods Interview (Golf Hypnotist) 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 21, 2023 • 4min
110: Your Commitment Issues Are Killing Your Game
To make more putts you MUST do one thing above all else. When you, do you'll have a MUCH better chance of making more putts. 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.

Apr 20, 2023 • 45min
109: Jerome Rufin: Moving Across the Country to Become a Scratch Golfer
Imagine moving across the country with one goal - to become a scratch golfer! Would you do it? Today I got a chance to interview Jerome Rufin who is just starting the game and did just that. He's so obsessed that he left his life in NYC and moved to San Diego with one goal - become a scratch golfer. But here's the kicker... he's only played golf for about a month. However, he's not trying to learn it all on his own and has recruited some of the top instructors and specialists to achieve his goals faster than ever. He now has a swing coach, putting coach (the same guy who coaches Xander Schauffele), a trainer, and a sports psychologist who's trained Olympic athletes. Not to mention a few friends who help him create some of the best golf content out there. Needless to say, he has quite a support system and is wildly motivated to make it happen. This is the video that I first saw of Jerome's that prompted me to reach out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DywQ5YvdrVA Make sure to subscribe to his content, YouTube especially so you can follow along his journey. I have no doubt he'll hit his goal and become a wicked smart scratch golfer. https://www.youtube.com/@JeromeRufin https://tiktok.com/@jeromerufin https://www.instagram.com/jerome.rufin/ https://www.facebook.com/ScratchToScratch 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.

Apr 18, 2023 • 16min
108: 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.

Apr 14, 2023 • 4min
107: A Simple 10-Minute Putting Routine for 10X Confidence
Stop skipping the putting green before the round. Use this simple 10-minute putting routine every round to make more putts and have confidence over the ball. 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 13, 2023 • 12min
106: Q&A: How Do I Eliminate Technical Swing Thoughts?
If you're like most golfers you've probably gotten too much in your head with endless mechanical swing thoughts during the round. Thinking things like: Push off the ground. Take it back more outside. Accelerate on the downswing. Make sure to hinge your wrists. Or whatever swing issue you're currently facing. That's golf - we tend to get overly technical but let me ask... has it ever helped your game? Chances are no, it hasn't... to play your best golf and get in the zone you need to LET GO. When you do, you can go unconscious and focus on playing golf... not playing your golf swing. Resources mentioned in this podcast: How to Eliminate Swing Thoughts: https://theleftrough.com/golf-swing-thought/ 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.

Apr 11, 2023 • 24min
105: 7 Ways to Shoot Lower Scores Immediately (Masters Recap)
The Masters tournament is sadly over but there is a LOT to take away to help your game. In today's episode we'll break down a few of the biggest lessons from the first major of the year to help your game. When you listen to this new episode you will learn: How to play faster (and score lower). Why golf is so much more than a perfect golf swing. The one equipment switch that can help you drive like Jon Rahm. Why you should ditch your normal group to play with better golfers (sometimes). 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.

Apr 7, 2023 • 4min
104: Use Jon Rahm's Mental Hack to Go Low
Don't let a bad shot or bad hole get you down... the Golf Gods don't care about your whining! Instead, use these shots or holes as fuel to bounce back like Jon Rahm did on day one of the masters. Despite an ugly 4-putt double bogey he went on to shoot 65 & is tied for the lead. 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.

Apr 6, 2023 • 41min
REPLAY: Abe Candelaria - From Pro Baseball to Top 10 Arizona AM & +3 Handicap
This guest podcast with Abe Candelaria is a game-changer! Abe didn't pick up a golf club until he was 24 years old after moving on from baseball. Within three months he was competing in his first tournament (talk about trial by fire). Now, he's a top-rated Arizona amateur golfer, +3 handicap, and won the San Diego amateur in 2021 at Torrey Pines. When you listen to today's episode you will learn: How to set golf goals The art of preparing for golf tournaments What to do daily to improve your golf game What it's like working with Boyd Summerhays Why short game is more important than long game How to play better under pressure and overcome nerves Please share with a friend or golf buddy who needs some golf inspiration! ______________________________________________________ Here's how Wicked Smart Golf can help you: Learn how to practice like a Pro (FREE Video Series): https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/practice Buy Wicked Smart Golf Book (111 Ways to Play Better Without Swing Changes) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39zNch7 Ready to master the mental game? Learn more about Mental Golf Type (MGT): https://www.mentalgolftype.com/a/39011/Hfvo4urF Want to have Tiger like confidence with your putter? Use the "Look and Shoot Putting System": https://www.autogolfshop.com/wicked/ Need to add distance to your game? Start speed training with SuperSpeed Golf: https://amzn.to/3gfqj61 Want a more consistent swing? Buy the Lag Shot training aid (voted best training aid in 2022 by Golf Digest):https://lagshotgolf.com/u/wicked-smart-golf ______________________________________________________ My other social media channels: Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wickedsmartgolf Subscribe to Wicked Smart Golf: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGt1yzKR05YpqipoLVkr5yw?sub_confirmation=1 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wickedsmartgolf/


