

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, 2022 • 4min
68: Master Your Green Speed - The BEST Putting Warm Up
Want to putt better every round? Then make sure you have a warm-up routine that sets your game up for success. So many golfers rush to the putting green, throw down three balls, and start aiming at the cup. This is a failing formula. Instead, you need to focus on making good contact with the putter, learn the green speed, and see/hear the ball go in as much as possible. Learn how in this quick hit 5-minute Friday episode. Here's how Wicked Smart Golf can help you: Learn how to practice like a Pro (FREE Video Series): https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/practice 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/ Buy Wicked Smart Golf Book (111 Ways to Play Better Without Swing Changes) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39zNch7 Need a custom practice plan? Then you need the Under Par Golf App (enter WICKESMART10) for 10% off: https://underpargolfapp.com/pages/wickedsmartgolf 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 ______________________________________________________ Connect With Wicked Smart on Social Media Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wickedsmartgolf Subscribe to Wicked Smart Golf on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGt1yzKR05YpqipoLVkr5yw?sub_confirmation=1 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wickedsmartgolf/

Dec 27, 2022 • 11min
67: How to Recap Your Golf Year and Dominate 2023
Don't set your golf goals... YET. Instead, make sure you recap your year to set yourself up for success in 2023 Learn how I recap my year and some tips to help you start playing your best golf ever in the new year. Next week tune in to learn all about setting golf goals! Related Podcasts: Scott Fawcett (ep #46) - DECADE Golf: https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/blog/episode-46 John Weir (ep #62): https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/blog/episode-62 Take your FREE mental golf type self-assessment now: https://www.mentalgolftype.com/a/39011/Hfvo4urF Connect With Wicked Smart on Social Media Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wickedsmartgolf Subscribe to Wicked Smart Golf on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGt1yzKR05YpqipoLVkr5yw?sub_confirmation=1 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wickedsmartgolf/

Dec 23, 2022 • 4min
66: Steal this Sports Psychology Tip to Make More Putts Instantly
Want to make more putts? Steal this sports psychology hack I learned after working with a sports psychologist before going to Q-School in 2019. One of the biggest things I wanted to discuss with him was putting, as I knew I had serious room to improve. I remember telling him, "Sometimes I kind of blank on the greens and forget what I'm doing. I lose focus and kind of space out." His solution was to give my mind a clear breakdown of the putt. He told me from behind the ball, read the putt, analyze the green's slope, and then declare it to your mind. It worked wonders at Q-School and still something I do with every putt to this day. Now, after reading the putt, I give my mind a clear image of how the putt should break. I will say to myself (in my head), Okay, I got ten feet, uphill, right to left. My aim is just outside the right part of the cup. This gives my mind a clear image of what the putt should do and helps clarify the goal. The more specific the description, the better. As Billy Casper said, "Try to think where you want to put the ball, not where you don't want it to go." To give yourself a clear picture of the putt, you need to use a few green-reading techniques that I'll discuss in the next point. Remember if you struggle to visualize like myself, verbalize the putt to give your mind clarity on the read. Hopefully it leads to making more putts than ever! Here's how Wicked Smart Golf can help you: Learn how to practice like a Pro (FREE Video Series): https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/practice 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/ Buy Wicked Smart Golf Book (111 Ways to Play Better Without Swing Changes) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39zNch7 Need a custom practice plan? Then you need the Under Par Golf App (enter WICKESMART10) for 10% off: https://underpargolfapp.com/pages/wickedsmartgolf 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 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGt1yzKR05YpqipoLVkr5yw?sub_confirmation=1 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wickedsmartgolf/

Dec 20, 2022 • 28min
REPLAY: The 5 Biggest Practice Mistakes in Golf
Practice makes perfect... right? Wrong, but practice does make permanent though. The problem is that most golfers practice the wrong way and unintentionally ingrain tons of bad habits that make your golf swing hard to fix. Which leads to high scores on the golf course and tons of frustration that makes it nearly impossible to play well. In this episode, I'll help you avoid the five biggest practice mistakes that most players make so that you can get the most from each session. Hopefully, you'll never walk away feeling frustrated again. Make each practice session on the driving range count. Finally, don't forget to join, "Practice Like a Pro" - my free video series to help you practice like the best players in the world. When you join, you'll learn how to work on your long game, how to create a pre-shot routine to build confidence on the golf course, and tons of short game tips. Click the link to learn more and sign up for FREE now: www.wickedsmartgolf.com/practice

Dec 16, 2022 • 4min
65: Greenskeepers Are Killing Your Chances of Hitting Fairways
Greenskeepers set you up to fail often and most golfers don't even realize it. Sometimes it's intentional on their part and other times it just happens with no conscious effort. You might be thinking, how so? By not double-checking the tee markers are aimed at the fairway. Whether you realize it or not, some tee boxes align with the fairway or green, but other times they point in a different direction. A lot of times they'll have them pointed toward trouble or rough instead of the fairway. If you don't focus during your pre-shot routine, it's easy to aim at trouble and not at your ideal target. For example, sometimes the tee markers will point to the straight part of the fairway even if it doglegs to the right. If you're not careful, it's easy to line up to the tee markers, not your intended start line. In this instance, you could hit it dead straight but end up going through the fairway into the rough or other trouble. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, this can wreak havoc on your tee shot and make it harder to score well by putting you out of position from the start of the hole. Then, the rest of the hole you're playing defense, not offense. Always make sure that you pick your own target on every tee box, don't just mindlessly aim parallel to the tee boxes. Here's how Wicked Smart Golf can help you: Learn how to practice like a Pro (FREE Video Series): https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/practice 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/ Buy Wicked Smart Golf Book (111 Ways to Play Better Without Swing Changes) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39zNch7 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

Dec 13, 2022 • 20min
64: How to Make Golf Feel Easier Every Single Round
Golf is hard but sometimes we make it harder on ourselves by playing in a way that doesn't match our personality type. I'm a perfect example of this in my last tournament - the Phoenix City two-man invitational. The format is unique with 3 days, 3 courses, and 3 different formats. I had a horrible day two because I got into stress by going against my personality type. But bounced back for an incredible round in day 3 after eliminating stress and getting in the zone. The secret? By playing in a way that matched my personality type. When you learn how to do this you can get in the zone and play your best golf ever! In this episode you'll learn more about getting in the zone and making this hard sport a little easier. Ready to master the mental game? Learn more about Mental Golf Type (MGT): https://www.mentalgolftype.com/a/39011/Hfvo4urF My other social media channels: Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wickedsmartgolf Subscribe to Wicked Smart Golf on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGt1yzKR05YpqipoLVkr5yw?sub_confirmation=1 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wickedsmartgolf/

Dec 9, 2022 • 4min
63: This Tool Will 10X Your Warm-Up Routine + Hit Bombs
If you don't have a ton of time to hit the driving range before playing golf, you need the tool mentioned in this podcast. Plus, use it at home to increase swing speed! Related Episodes Episode #42: Speed Training Makes Golf Easier: https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/blog/episode-42 Buy Wicked Smart Golf Book (111 Ways to Play Better Without Swing Changes) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39zNch7 ______________________________________________________ Here's how Wicked Smart Golf can help you: Learn how to practice like a Pro (FREE Video Series): https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/practice 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 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wickedsmartgolf/

Dec 8, 2022 • 1h 1min
62: John Weir Teaches a Master Class on Mental Golf Training
John Weir is one of the top name in the mental golf world and has real-world experience as a caddy on the PGA and Korn Ferry Tour. He is the creator of the Mental Golf Type® program, the author of Golfer's Guide to Mental Fitness, and received top awards as a certified hypnotherapist. When you listen to this full interview you will receive a free masterclass on the mind and take your mental game to the next level. Some of the topics we cover include: How to get in the zone The art of a pre-shot routine How to pick targets based on your personality How to reprogram your mind and change beliefs Why most sports psychology is setting you up for failure What is Mental Golf Type and how it can transform the way you think and operate on the golf course And so much more. This is the mental golf training you need and will take your game to the next level. Make sure to take your FREE personality test on Mental Golf Type: https://www.mentalgolftype.com/a/39011/Hfvo4urF And if you're ready to invest in your mental game make sure to enter the code WICKEDSMART at checkout to receive a 25% discount! Follow to Drop 5-10 Shots WIthout Swing Changes Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Start speed training with SuperSpeed Golf Join "Practice Like a Pro" - FREE Video Series Buy my new golf book on Amazon ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing")

Dec 6, 2022 • 14min
61: 10 Golf Gifts to Buy Yourself This Christmas
Christmas is almost here and I don't want you to get a bunch of golf gifts you can't use! So instead, share this episode with a friend/family member to ensure you get some gifts that will help you play wicked smart. And if no one buys them for you, treat yourself this holiday. Sometimes you need to invest in yourself to improve in golf and life. These gifts will help you from tee to green and all shots in between. Best Golf Gifts: 1. Club fitting (and/or putter fitting) 2. Decade Golf (#1 course management software) 3. Launch monitor: Voice Caddie SC300 - https://amzn.to/3B7aNAL 4. Lag Shot Golf: https://lagshotgolf.com/u/wicked-smart-golf 5. Back to Basics Putting Mirror: https://amzn.to/3XLOv1c 6. Tour Aim Alignment: https://amzn.to/3OXilfe 7. Wicked Smart Golf Book: https://amzn.to/3ulBZIl 8. Putting Tutor: https://amzn.to/3VIZpDS 9. SuperSpeed Golf: https://amzn.to/3gfqj61 10. Indoor Putting Green 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/

Dec 2, 2022 • 4min
60: 3-Minute Trick to Brainwash Yourself to Lower Scores
The mind is wired for negativity - which isn't great news for your golf game. Luckily, this 3-minute post-round routine can help you reprogram your mind fast! Buy Wicked Smart Golf Book (111 Ways to Play Better Without Swing Changes) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39zNch7 ______________________________________________________ Here's how Wicked Smart Golf can help you: Learn how to practice like a Pro (FREE Video Series): https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/practice 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 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wickedsmartgolf/


