

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

Oct 14, 2025 • 21min
435: 10 Questions That Separate Average Golfers from Great Ones
>>Join the 30-Day Wicked Smart Golf Speed Challenge Some episodes give you tips. This one gives you transformation. I'll share the 10 questions that will change your mindset and game to use before, during, and after the round. You'll learn: The 10 questions that reshape your golf philosophy. How pros and coaches use these questions for breakthroughs. Why changing the way you think changes the way you play. How to turn reflection into action steps. 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%). 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).

Oct 10, 2025 • 3min
Join the Wicked Smart Golf Speed Challenge!
>>>Join the WSG Speed Challenge now! What Is the 30-Day Speed Challenge? This isn't just another quick-fix program — it's a guided 30-day experience designed to help you swing faster, hit it longer, and build sustainable habits you can carry into next season. Program starts 10/14 and goes through 11/13! Over the course of one month, you'll train smarter, track your progress, and learn the exact routines Michael uses in his own pursuit of more speed. Every golfer knows that 1 mph of swing speed equals 2–3 yards of distance. Add just 5 mph, and you're suddenly hitting shorter approach shots, attacking more pins, and giving yourself more birdie chances. The best part? You can improve your speed at any age with the right work ethic.

Oct 9, 2025 • 59min
434: Dr. Andrea Wieland - How to Train Your Mind for Peak Performance
>>Improve Practice With HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Today's guest is Dr. Andrea Wieland — Olympian, psychologist, high-performance expert, and founder of Winning Systems Psychology. She's the author of The Confident Performer, holds an MBA and PhD from The University of Iowa, and competed on the 1996 U.S. Olympic Field Hockey team. For 25+ years she's been building "systems of winning," not just for athletes but for leaders, teams, and performers in high-pressure fields. She's led mental conditioning at IMG Academy, overseen Sports Medicine, Nutrition, Mental Health & Performance for ~1,000+ athletes across 33 sports at Penn Athletics, and works with folks from special operations soldiers to elite amateurs. Her work focuses on integrating mental resilience, identity, consistency, and wellness — seeing the athlete as a whole person, not just for scorecards. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: The four domains of your identity. The goal of golf (hint: it's not winning). How your self-image can sabotage success. Why you need systems to succeed in golf (and life). How an alter ego can help your mindset on and off the course. Make sure to check out her website to learn more about her book and training. 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).

12 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 23min
433: 9 Speed Training Mistakes That Sabotage Your Scores
>>Get the #1 Speed Trainer in Golf: Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) >>Join the Wicked Smart Golf 30-Day Speed Challenge. If you want to make golf easier, you MUST start speed training! More speed equals more distance which makes golf SO much easier. Today, I'll share the biggest speed training mistakes that are holding you back from playing your best golf. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: How distance makes golf easier. Why you must warm up beforehand. The best tools to increase clubhead speed. Why you need to speed train in and out of season. And more tips to get you excited about speed training. Related blogs: Best Golf Speed Trainers Rypstick Speed Trainer Review Rypstick vs. SuperSpeed Golf Comparison 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).

Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 36min
432: Michael Leonard - The Secrets to Better Golf Without Swing Changes
>>Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Today I'm grateful to share an episode where I was interviewed for the HalfWay Hut Podcast. They asked some amazing questions and give you insight into quitting the corporate world, going all in on golf, and what it takes to break 80 consistently (without swing changes). When you listen to this episode, you will learn: Why you need the right tempo. Habits that lead to lower scores. Easy tips to go low without swing changes. How to avoid common equipment mistakes. The importance of your attitude on and off the golf course. And a lot more. Make sure to check out their growing podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Instagram for more great content. 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).

17 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 21min
REPLAY: 7 Rules to Break 80 Consistently
Seven practical rules to break 80 consistently are laid out in short, actionable segments. Topics include equipment fitting, when to hit driver, and why aiming for the middle of the green pays off. Putting process, short-game practice, mental routines, and building a repeatable pre-shot routine are also explored.

Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 38min
Dr. Nico Darras: The "Golf Blueprint" to Lower Scores (Flashback Friday)
>>Grab the Best Training Aid in Golf - HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). >>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Dr. Nico "Doc" Darras is the co-creator of Golf Blueprint. Dr. Nico had never played a full round of golf before the age of 23 and seven years later is a plus handicap and works with some of the best golfers in the world. Not to mention, countless amateurs that are strapped for time but want to practice more efficiently. His story is nothing short of inspiring and extremely valuable. When you listen, you will learn: The secret ingredient to better practice. How to actually prepare for tournament golf. Why you need a dynamic warm up routine. The importance of non-judgmental creative practice. How Golf Blueprint can transform your practice routines. How tournament golf can give you more courage in golf & life. Why competitive practice is the key to playing better under pressure. Why nerves aren't a bad thing (and how they happen to the best golfers in the world). How to save money playing golf + how to get your significant other on board with your golf schedule. Make sure to follow Dr. Nico on Instagram and check out Golf Blueprint to take your practice to the next level. 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%). 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).

20 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 50min
431: Jeff Sullivan: Secrets of a +4 HDCP at 40 Years Young
In this conversation, Jeff Sullivan, a remarkable +4 handicap golfer and DECADE Golf-certified coach, reveals his secrets to elite golf performance. He shares how he structures his weekly practice around work and tournaments while emphasizing the importance of data-driven training. Jeff discusses effective warm-ups, mental strategies for tournament nerves, and how DECADE Golf transformed his course management. With practical tips on speed training and practice at home, he inspires improvement at every level. Follow him on Instagram for more insights!

Sep 23, 2025 • 26min
430: 7 Shocking Scratch Golf Stats to Reset Expectations
>>Start Speed Training with Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) >>Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently). If you're like most golfers, you have a big golf goal. Maybe it's a 10, 5, or even scratch handicap. The truth is that you're closer than you think! The problem is that most golfers have the WRONG expectations. Which makes it hard to achieve your goals! Today I'll share 7 stats and strategies from Wicked Smart Golf II to help you have the right metrics for your game. This will help you break 80 consistently and hopefully get a closer to that scratch golf goal. 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).

Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 11min
429: Brent Grant - The Grind, The Glory, & The Reality of Pro Golf
Brent Grant, a professional golfer from Jacksonville, shares his unconventional journey to the pro circuit after picking up a club at 13. He dives into the intense pressures of Q-School and his experiences on the Korn Ferry Tour, revealing the grind and challenges that come with it. Brent offers practical advice for amateurs, including mental strategies for tournament play and the importance of preparation. His insights on what separates the best players and his inspiration for those starting late in the game are both enlightening and motivational.


