

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 1, 2022 • 40min
59: 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/

Nov 29, 2022 • 18min
58: 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): https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/blog/episode-35 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/

Nov 25, 2022 • 4min
57: The BEST Bunker Tip to Escape the Sand in One Swing
Use this bunker tip to escape the sand every single time! Also, make sure to check out Mental Golf Type (the #1 mental game training program) and their Black Friday-Cyber Monday deal here (just enter MGTCYBER): https://www.mentalgolftype.com/a/39011/Hfvo4urF 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?ref: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/

Nov 22, 2022 • 23min
REPLAY: 5 Commandments to Play Your Best Golf
It's time to play your best golf with these five commandments. It's time to quit all the technical swing changes and step into your best self. These 5 commandments will do just that! When you listen, you will learn: To love adversity Why you should stop trying to make putts How to score well without making more birdies How to love "ugly golf" and ultimately score better Why you should never go into a round or tournament with expectations or a certain score I'm confident that when you live by these five commandments, you will play your best golf ever. It's time to give up the negative mental talk and tap into your full potential. These 5 commandments of golf have worked wonders for me and some of the best golfers on the planet (including 2022 Open Champion Cam Smith). RECOMMENDED GOLF PRODUCTS --->Look and Shoot Putting Method: https://www.autogolfshop.com/wicked/ T I K T O K ✅: https://www.tiktok.com/@wickedsmartgolf I N S T A G R A M ✅ : https://www.instagram.com/wickedsmartgolf/ W E B S I T E ✅ : https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/ Y O U T U B E ✅ : https://bit.ly/3vJTDpi B O O K ✅ : https://amzn.to/39zNch7

Nov 18, 2022 • 4min
56: One Simple Trick For Better Chip Shots
Start hitting better chip shots with this one simple trick for more up and downs! This will change everything (and it's so easy). Enjoy this 5-minute Friday episode and play wicked smart! 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?ref: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/

Nov 17, 2022 • 41min
REPLAY: Phil Cardwell on Why Grip & Rhythm Are the Keys to Better Golf
Learn from Phil Cardwell, a PGA Teaching Pro, on how to become a wicked smart golfer. In this golf podcast interview, we talk about: The LIV Golf debate Playing golf at elite levels with only one eye What it's like learning from Jim Flick and David Leadbetter And more mental game + course management tips to play your best golf. RECOMMENDED GOLF PRODUCTS --->Look and Shoot Putting Method: https://www.autogolfshop.com/wicked/ T I K T O K ✅ : https://www.tiktok.com/@wickedsmartgolf I N S T A G R A M ✅ : https://www.instagram.com/wickedsmartgolf/ W E B S I T E ✅ : https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/ Y O U T U B E ✅ : https://bit.ly/3vJTDpi B O O K ✅ : https://amzn.to/39zNch7

Nov 15, 2022 • 24min
55: 7 Tips to Shoot in the 70s (Without Swing Changes)
If you're shooting in the 80s right now, I want to help you get in the 70s FAST. If you search on YouTube or Google about breaking 80 you get a lot of swing tips and swing theory... but that can take a long time to lower your scores on the golf course. But the 7 tips in today's episode have NOTHING to do with changing your swing. Intead, they are course management and mental game hacks to help you play better golf without changing your swing (aka, playing wicked smart golf). Listen to learn how to shoot in the 70s... FAST. RECOMMENDED GOLF PRODUCTS ---> Look and Shoot Putting Method: https://www.autogolfshop.com/wicked/ ---> Mental Golf Type: https://www.mentalgolftype.com/a/39011/Hfvo4urF follow on other social media channels below: T I K T O K ✅ https://www.tiktok.com/@wickedsmartgolf I N S T A G R A M ✅ https://www.instagram.com/wickedsmartgolf/ W E B S I T E ✅ https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/ Y O U T U B E ✅ https://bit.ly/3vJTDpi B O O K ✅ https://amzn.to/39zNch7 ^^^Click the link to buy my new book, "Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing" on Amazon now.

Nov 11, 2022 • 4min
54: Club Up on Approach Shots to Have 3+ More Birdie Putts
Today's 5-minute Friday episode will help you have more looks at birdies! If you want to have more birdie putts every round, you need to club up on approach shots. Otherwise, you risk ending up short in the worst spot (and more bogeys). Think about it, most trouble is in front of the greens (bunkers, deep rough, water etc.). Plus, most golfers take a club that they need to hit perfect (which doesn't happen often, even for scratch golfers). By taking more club you are giving yourself more birdie putts (even if you don't hit the shot 100%). If you do miss the green long you should have an easier chip to get up and down. 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?ref:wicked-smart-golf

Nov 10, 2022 • 9min
53: Q&A - How to Increase Clubhead Speed 5-10MPH in 45 Days (or less)
In today's episode I'm answering a question from a podcast listener about "How to increase swing in the off season?" Learn 5 ways I'm upgrading my swing and how you can gain speed this off season. Don't forget, every 1 MPH increase of speed equals 3 yards of extra distance off the tee. Come into 2023 longer than ever with these proven driving tips. Follow For More Epic Golf Content 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")

Nov 8, 2022 • 13min
52: Zen Golf - 7 Mental Game Strategies for More Consistency
Zen Golf, written by Dr. Joseph Parent, is one of my favorite golf books. >> Buy Zen Golf on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3teRu4n If you want to take your game to the next level, this book can help tremendously. Dr. Parent uses a simple approach to help you hack your mind for lower scores and hopefully, more consistent results. It seems like every golfer I ask always says they want a more "consistent" score. The key to getting this type of consistency isn't from making more swing changes or buying more equipment. It's learning how to use your mind for more efficient and consistent results. 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?ref: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


