

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 19, 2025 • 26min
420: STOP Panicking in the Sand - How to Build Bunker Belief
>>Get theWicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Struggling with bunker shots? You're not alone. For many golfers, the sand is where confidence disappears and big numbers creep onto the scorecard. But the truth is, bunkers don't have to be scary—they can actually be one of the easiest shots in golf when you know how to simplify and trust your process. In this episode, you will learn: Why bunker fear is usually mental—not mechanical How to shift from panic to confidence in the sand The three factors every smart golfer should assess before hitting a bunker shot A simple mindset trick to trust your swing and accelerate success How building confidence in the sand can ripple through the rest of your game Whether you're trying to save par, avoid blow-up holes, or simply enjoy your round more, this episode will give you the tools to turn bunkers into a strength instead of a weakness. 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).

30 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 48min
John Novosel Jr. - How A Tour Tempo Can Transform Your Game (Flashback Friday)
John Novosel Jr., co-creator of the Tour Tempo app and author of Tour Tempo Force, shares his insights on mastering golf tempo. He discusses how the right rhythm can transform a golfer’s swing instantly. Listen to learn why most golfers swing too slowly, the tempo secrets of major champions, and how to apply different tempos for short and long game improvements. With his impressive long drive background, Novosel emphasizes balancing speed and accuracy while encouraging golfers to embrace tempo training for enhanced performance.

51 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 11min
419: Gregg Avedon - Golf Fitness Secrets for a Lifetime of Lower Scores
In this episode, fitness expert Gregg Avedon shares his wealth of knowledge as a former trainer to celebrities and elite athletes. He discusses effective cardio routines while debunking common misconceptions. Resistance training emerges as the key to enhancing speed and longevity on the course. Gregg emphasizes the crucial link between nutrition and performance, providing practical tips for simplifying meal planning for golfers. Discover how a focused approach to fitness can transform your game and overall health.

12 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 26min
418: How to Think Like Tiger Woods - 7 Secrets to Success
Explore the mental game of golf with insights drawn from Tiger Woods and the legendary Bobby Jones. Learn how planning ahead boosts performance and the significance of pre-shot routines, including rehearsal swings. Discover the impact of nutrition and hydration on your game, along with mental tools like visualization and hypnosis. Uncover the lessons from top athletes to enhance confidence and reduce anxiety on the course, making every round a step toward greatness.

Aug 11, 2025 • 3min
Announcement: Wicked Smart Golf Scorecard & Stats Book is LIVE
>> Get the Golf Scorecard and Stats Book by Wicked Smart Golf to track 50 rounds of golf. You'll also have room on each page to document swing thoughts, mental game strategies, and your best shots after each round.

19 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 3min
417: Bryce Cope - Fixing 7 Common Golf Swing Issues Fast
Bryce Cope, a highly sought-after golf coach and a +5 handicap, returns with insights on fixing common swing issues. He explains how a weak grip can lead to major flaws and the correct wrist hinge for a better backswing. Listeners learn the crucial role of foot positioning for balance and how early extension could be affecting their shots. Bryce shares common mistakes in bunker play and offers strategies to stop frequent 3-putting. His simplification of the golf swing will inspire golfers to boost their consistency!

5 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 24min
416: Avoid These 10 Driving Range Mistakes ASAP
Discover the top mistakes golfers make at the driving range and how to avoid them. Learn why treating practice like structured gym training can supercharge your improvement. Uncover essential strategies for warming up and focusing on fundamentals, plus tips on using alignment aids and swing recordings. Find out how launch monitors can enhance your feedback, and hear the importance of maintaining a consistent pre-shot routine while enjoying your practice. Get ready to elevate your game!

Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 7min
415: Patrick Sebastien - From MMA to Elite Mental Game Coaching
>>Get Voice Caddie Launch Monitors 15% off w/code WICKEDSMART. SC200: The easiest to use launch monitor, no app needed. SC300i: An upgrade with access to more data using the Voice Caddie app. SC4: Even more data and simulation to help you practice like a pro. >>Get the top 10 podcast episodes now (FREE guide). Today's guest is Patrick Sebastien—a high-performance coach with one of the most unique backgrounds in the world of golf. For over 15 years, he coached elite-level fighters in Muay Thai and MMA, specializing in the mental and physical demands of combat sports. His time living and training in Costa Rica, paired with a deep exploration of meditation and mindfulness, reshaped his understanding of peak performance and mental discipline. He's partnered with top Canadian instructor Steve Foisy, coached elite players (including ones on the Korn Ferry Tour) and brought his martial arts mindset into the world of golf. In this episode, we cover: The right way to start meditating. What he learned working with the pros. Why stress isn't bad if you can control it. How the role of fitness leads to better golf. Why breath training can help you lean into peak performance. An easy way to get out of off course stress when it comes up on the golf course. Make sure to follow Patrick on Instagram and check his website to learn 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).

13 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 18min
414: How to Become Your Own Putting Coach
Dive into the world of self-coaching for putting! Discover the mindset of elite putters and why self-awareness is crucial. Learn about the one essential tool to analyze your stroke and how asking the right questions can elevate your game. Embrace a consistent pre-shot process to boost your confidence on the green. Plus, explore effective tips to make your practice enjoyable while sharpening your short game skills. Get ready to take control of your putting performance!

Jul 24, 2025 • 42min
413: Grace Charis - From #1 Golf Content Creator to Competitor
Ready to play in tournament? These resources can help: >>Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events). >>Get my FREE Tournament Golf Checklist >>JOIN DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Today's guest is Grace Charis... in just a few years, she has built an enormous global audience of more than 6,000,000 followers. Now, she's switched directions from influencer to tournament golfer, even competing in a LET professional event. In this episode, We talk about her journey into golf since 2021. Easy tips to help you play better in tournaments. What it's like to play tournament golf with the pros. How she became a scratch golfer in a few short years. How she handles the pressure and criticism that comes with the spotlight, and her big goals for the future. Make sure to follow Grace on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube to follow her journey. 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).


