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
Aug 16, 2022 • 6min
34: The Easiest Way to Make More Putts
This putting tip will help you make more putts WITHOUT making changes to your stroke. This tip will help you stand over every putt with confidence and believe in yourself. Remember, it's the little things that make the biggest difference in the crazy game of golf. What is it? Line up your putts with a line, logo, or part of the golf ball. So many golfers skip this step, then have no clue where they were supposed to aim when they're standing over the ball. This is too simple to not do every single time and one of the common things that nearly every professional golfer does on every putt. Once your ball is aimed at the start line, use the alignment aid on your putter to match the line on your golf ball. This should lead you to feeling very confident over any putt on the green and help the ball start on line properly. Remember, putting is more about confidence than anything else! 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.
Aug 9, 2022 • 20min
REPLAY: DECADE Golf - 5 Course Management Tips Your Game Need
DECADE Golf is one of the most effective golf apps I've ever used. In this podcast episode, I'll take you through five course management tips I've learned from the program to help you play better every time you tee it up. We'll cover: Why you should only play one shot shape The impact of body language on your game How to get out of trouble and not waste shots Why firing at the pin is a bad idea (most of the time) If the key to lower scores is about making more birdies or avoiding bogeys And a lot more. Scott Fawcett, the creator of DECADE Golf, made a truly amazing program that I can't recommend enough. If you're serious about your golf game, this product can help you more than you thought possible. Resources Mentioned Join DECADE Golf (Get 20% off using the code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout). Every Shot Counts by Mark Broadie: https://amzn.to/3lBVGHx Wicked Smart Golf Book by Michael Leonard: https://amzn.to/3PwlDG6
Aug 4, 2022 • 50min
33: Kiel Alderink on the "Zone" and How Personality Affects Performance
If you're like most golfers, you want to know how to get in the zone more often? The "Zone" is when things feel easy on the golf course and you're in a flow state. Tiger Woods once talked about being in the zone and said he was so in it at times that he would not even remember hitting certain shots during the round. Chances are, you've been there too... even if it was only for a few shots or a few holes. This guest interview will change the way you play golf forever by helping you get in the zone. Let me introduce today's guest... Kiel Alderink is the Head Performance Coach of Mental Golf Type. He is the Director of Instruction at The Academy at Black Creek in Chattanooga, TN and also remains a co-owner of his junior academy Champion Ways in Lake Bluff, IL. Kiel is recognized as a Top Teacher Under 40 in America by Golf Digest. Kiel is also listed as Top Teacher in Illinois by Golf Digest, and Golf Academy of America Top 25 Teachers. He is also a Class A PGA Professional and works with juniors, amateurs, and professional golfers. When you listen to this interview, you will learn: The 4 facets of personality Common mental game mistakes Why acting like Tiger might be a BAD idea How your personality affects your golf game How to get in the ZONE so you play your best golf To learn more about Mental Golf Type, visit www.wickedsmartgolftype.com/mgt Or, take your own personality assessment here: https://www.mentalgolftype.com/a/39011/Hfvo4urF
Aug 2, 2022 • 23min
32: 5 Commandments to Play Your Best Golf
It's time to play your best golf this summer (or whenever you listen to this episode). 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/ 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
Jul 26, 2022 • 22min
31: Swing Your Swing - The Best Golf Tip Ever!
This might be the best golf tip ever - SWING YOUR SWING. After playing 150+ days of tournament golf in the past few years, I break down why it's so important to swing your swing. When you listen, you will learn: How a swing change can ruin your game How to fix your swing during the middle of the round Why it's not always a great idea to change your swing How swinging your swing will give you more confidence during the round + make it easier to pick targets And so much more. This golf tip can change your scores forever and this episode will convince you to practice differently and learn to love your swing. Your best golf awaits... RECOMMENDED GOLF PRODUCTS --->Look and Shoot Putting Method: https://www.autogolfshop.com/wicked/ 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
Jul 21, 2022 • 41min
30: 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. 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.
Jul 19, 2022 • 23min
REPLAY: Reset Your Expectations to Play Better Golf
If you're like most golfers you expect a ton from your game. You want to always hit it long, straight, make every putt, and score well. Even if you have a full-time job and don't practice much (or at all). In reality, our expectations set us up to fail. Once you learn these 7 PGA Tour stats from the 2021 season, you will have a new perspective on how to play better golf. Learn the average driving distance, greens in regulation, bunker saves, and more in this eye-opening episode. Remember these facts the next time you're on the golf course to reset expectations and play better golf. 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.
Jul 12, 2022 • 16min
29: Wicked Smart Tip: Forget the Flagstick for Lower Scores
In today's quick hit episode, we break down why you shouldn't always aim for the flagstick and how it's hurting your chances of playing your best golf. This course management tip can save you tons of strokes! 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.
Jul 7, 2022 • 36min
28: Scott Deakins on Practicing With Purpose & Biggest Mistakes to Avoid
>>Dominate your practice and fitness with the Under Par Golf App. Learn how to practice with purpose and make the most out of each session in this interview with Scott Deakins. Scott is the founder of Under Par Performance Golf and despite a busy schedule, maintains a scratch handicap thanks to wicked smart practice! Under Par Golf App is an awesome app that gives you custom plans to reach your golf goals. Whether you want to break 100, 90, 80, or scratch, there is a plan for you. In our interview, you will learn: Why you need to mix up your sessions How to make the most out of each practice session Some of the biggest practice mistakes most golfers make And so much more. Don't let a busy life get in the way of your golf game. Learn how to practice with purpose for your best golf yet. >>Dominate your practice and fitness with the Under Par Golf App. 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. 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.
Jul 5, 2022 • 23min
27: Why You Need to Change Your Practice Routines ASAP
Most golfers practice the WRONG way. Here's what the great Harvey Penick said about most golfers practice routines: "Every day I see golfers out there banging away at bucket after bucket. If I ask them what they're doing, they say, 'What does it look like I'm doing, Harvey? I'm practicing!' Well, they're getting exercise all right. But few of them are really practicing." So if you want to make the most out of each session, listen to this episode! You will learn: Common practice mistakes you might be doing Why you should work on your weaknesses 80% of the time How to mix up your routines to keep your mind and body guessing And a lot more! 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.
