

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

Nov 11, 2025 • 50min
443: Michael Leonard - How To Train Your Mind to Thrive Under Pressure
>>2 spots left for mental golf coaching this month! Email michael@wickedsmartgolf.com to see if it's a good fit >>Dominate the offseason with RYPSTICK - 20% off with code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout Today, I'm sharing an episode where I was a guest with Paul Salter on his show, The Scratch Golfer's Mindset. Paul is a good friend and helping golfer with the mental side of the game to help overcome limiting beliefs and play to their potential. In this episode, you'll learn: The key differences between the mental game of golf and true mindset training How to identify and eliminate self-talk that sabotages your performance Why protecting your energy is a prerequisite for tournament success The growth mindset traits every serious golfer must develop How to use your "dark side" and competitive drive as fuel for improvement Strategies for thriving in high-pressure, tournament conditions The #1 mistake golfers make when transitioning into competitive play WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Practice Like a Pro With Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes. Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently). Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).

61 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 1h 18min
442: Mike Carroll - The Secrets to Strength, Mobility, & Smart Training
Mike Carroll, founder of Fit For Golf and a golf strength & conditioning expert, explains science-based training for golfers. He covers mobility habits to protect joints. He discusses strength, power, and muscle for speed. He explains structuring cardio, in-season tweaks, and practical workouts you can start today.

21 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 28min
441: 10 Mental Golf MISTAKES You Must Avoid for Lower Scores
They break down the top 10 mental mistakes that cost golfers strokes. Topics include pre-round preparation, course strategy, and sticking to routines. They cover emotional control, negative self-talk, body language, and how to reset after bad shots. Practical tips on focus, visualization, and avoiding score-focused thinking are highlighted.

35 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 58min
Dr. Joseph Parent: STOP 3-Putting with ZEN Putting (Flashback Friday)
Dr. Joseph Parent, author and mental-game coach behind Zen Golf, shares putting wisdom and mental shortcuts. He redefines what it means to “make” a putt and teaches quick routines to calm the mind. Hear practical green-reading strategies, pace drills, ways to beat the yips, and a simple post-shot reset to get back on track.

19 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 53min
440: James Berry - How to Train Your Mind Like a Pro
In this engaging discussion, James Berry, a former professional golfer and high-performance coach, shares insights from his unique journey in the sport. He emphasizes the importance of mental resilience, discipline, and pressure management for golfers at all levels. Listeners learn practical strategies for simulating pressure during practice, overcoming negative self-talk, and effectively managing expectations. James also highlights the significance of post-round reflection and the value of tailored off-season training for continuous improvement.

12 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 24min
439: How to Play Smart Golf (9 SIMPLE Tips)
Useful tips on building a fixed pre-shot routine to reduce doubt and improve consistency. Advice on committing to one reliable shot shape and dialing full and knockdown distances. Strategies for practicing lower-trajectory knockdown shots and using driver more often. Guidance on attacking par fives, creating a wedge distance matrix, and avoiding low-percentage hero plays.

Oct 23, 2025 • 50min
438: Leo Herrera: The Wild Ride of Getting Through Q-School
>>Join DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Leo has an incredible playing and coaching background — he was a member of the Venezuelan National Team, a three-time Florida Cup Team member, and was named a 2019 Rolex Junior All-American (Honorable Mention), reaching 20th in the Rolex Golf Rankings. He also captured the 2021 USGA Four-Ball Championship before turning professional. Now, as a performance coach, Leo blends his experience as a player with modern movement science to help golfers play and feel their best. This episode is all about his wild ride in Q-school pre-qualfying. 💡 In This Episode You'll Learn: Leo's crazy Q-School journey — the grind, the lessons, and what it really takes to chase your dream. The exact steps to get through Q-School — from preparation and mindset to strategy and execution. How his elite amateur experience shaped his approach to professional golf. The connection between movement, performance, and consistency in tournament play. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes. Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently). Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).

9 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 23min
437: 7 Easy Wedge Tips That Will Transform Your Game
Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) If you want to shoot lower scores this season, it starts inside 125 yards. In this episode, Michael breaks down 7 essential wedge tips that will help you hit it closer, save more pars, and finally take advantage of your scoring clubs. You'll learn how to build confidence with your wedges, eliminate wasted shots, and turn your short game into a true weapon. What You'll Learn: Play the right wedges for your swing – not just what the pros use. Learn how bounce, grind, and loft affect every shot you hit. Ball position secrets (Charlie B method) – how a simple setup tweak can change your contact and spin. Why your weight should stay forward (60% or more) – the #1 key to crisp contact and consistency. Full swing vs. short game routine – how to simplify your process and build confidence on partial shots. Be okay with 20-footers – and why Tour pros miss more greens than you think. (We'll share real stats that'll change your expectations instantly.) The power of wedge practice – why spending more time inside 125 yards can lower your scores faster than swing changes ever will. And a lot more. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes. Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently). Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).

5 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 52min
Alex Huang - DECADE Golf Secrets for Lower Scores (Flashback Friday)
In this conversation, Alex Huang, COO of DECADE Golf and a course-management specialist, shares invaluable insights into lowering golf scores. He discusses the common pitfalls of aiming for pins, the crucial concept of 'Point A to Zone B,' and the surprising dangers of short misses on front pins. Alex compares his analytic poker background to golf, emphasizing variance management and strategy over mere stats. He also reveals drills to refine targeting and the importance of avoiding bogeys, making golf sound less complicated and more strategic!

Oct 16, 2025 • 54min
436: Andrew Hannon - Golf Fitness Secrets from a Top 50 Coach
>>Join the 30-Day Wicked Smart Golf Speed Challenge (last day) >>Get GolfForever 15% off with code WICKEDSMART Golf fitness can feel overwhelming, especially with so much conflicting advice online. That's why I brought on Andrew Hannon — a Top 50 Golf Fitness Coach — to simplify it all. He's worked with countless amateurs to top LPGA + PGA pros, including U.S. Open winner, Wyndham Clark. In this episode, we break down the essentials of golf-specific training so you know exactly what matters (and what doesn't). You'll learn: The biggest mistakes golfers make in the gym. Why training like an athlete (not a bodybuilder) matters for your swing. Simple routines that fit into a busy schedule. How to build strength without losing mobility. Andrew's take on fads in the gym and diet routines Make sure to follow Andrew on Instagram and DM to learn more about in-person & online coaching options. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes. Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently). Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).


