

Wicked Smart Golf
Michael Leonard
Welcome to Wicked Smart Golf - hosted by Michael Leonard. This golf podcast will help you shoot lower scores and play your best WITHOUT changing your swing.
Michael is a full-time golf writer who has written over 3,500,000 words about the sport since 2017 and been playing golf for more than 20 years. In high school, he dropped 50 shots in four years (124-74), played college golf in Southern California, and now plays competitively in Arizona through the USGA, Arizona Golf Association, and Outlaw Tour. He even went to Q-school in 2019 as an amateur golfer.
His goal is simple - help golfers shoot lower scores and drop their handicap without all the technical swing changes. Because let's face it, no matter how good you get, your swing will never be perfect and a work in progress. The good news is that you don't need a "perfect" swing to break 80 or become a scratch golfer.
In this podcast, he will teach you how to play more consistent golf by mastering your mindset, playing wicked smart golf on the course, learn to practice like a pro, and simplify the short game for lower scores. Enjoy weekly solo episodes and plenty of interviews with golf coaches, elite players, best-selling authors, and other inspiring golf stories.
Check out the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon and Audible for even more helpful strategies to play your best golf ever.
Michael is a full-time golf writer who has written over 3,500,000 words about the sport since 2017 and been playing golf for more than 20 years. In high school, he dropped 50 shots in four years (124-74), played college golf in Southern California, and now plays competitively in Arizona through the USGA, Arizona Golf Association, and Outlaw Tour. He even went to Q-school in 2019 as an amateur golfer.
His goal is simple - help golfers shoot lower scores and drop their handicap without all the technical swing changes. Because let's face it, no matter how good you get, your swing will never be perfect and a work in progress. The good news is that you don't need a "perfect" swing to break 80 or become a scratch golfer.
In this podcast, he will teach you how to play more consistent golf by mastering your mindset, playing wicked smart golf on the course, learn to practice like a pro, and simplify the short game for lower scores. Enjoy weekly solo episodes and plenty of interviews with golf coaches, elite players, best-selling authors, and other inspiring golf stories.
Check out the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon and Audible for even more helpful strategies to play your best golf ever.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 30, 2026 • 57min
Dr. Troy Van Biezen: How Amateurs Can Train Like Scottie Scheffler (Fitness Friday)
>>Get 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%). Dr. Troy Van Biezen is a world-renowned sports chiropractor who has spent over 21 years on the PGA Tour, working with legends like Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, Zach Johnson, Justin Thomas, and most recently, 2025 PGA Champion Scottie Scheffler. He's a Titleist Performance Institute Medical Level 2 professional, a trusted advisor for elite-level athletes, and the co-founder of LivPur, a hydration brand helping players stay sharp and recover faster. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: What he learned working with Tiger Woods Why cardio is the missing ingredient for most golfers The biggest misconceptions around recovery, mobility, and performance The importance of sleep, nutrition, and energy management How GolfForever can help amateur golfers avoid injury and build a better swing How he helped Scottie Scheffler during his PGA Championship victory WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (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: 90+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible. Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube

Jan 29, 2026 • 50min
464: Brixton Albert - Building a $100M Golf Brand & Tips to Break 80
Brixton Albert, founder of Performance Golf and accomplished amateur, scaled a $100M golf business and coaches better play. He discusses starting at 40% to build momentum. He breaks down common practice mistakes and smarter practice structure. He explains pressure rehearsal, tournament mindset, pre-event routines, and a simple thinking-time habit to sharpen focus.

Jan 27, 2026 • 22min
463: 5 Golf Lessons Hidden Inside "Your Brain Swings Every Club"
>>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). >>Buy Your Brain Swings Every Club on Amazon. >>Get the FREE Putting Routine Checklist Dr. Justice published Your Brain Swings Every Club in 2025 and it transformed my game. He has spent over 30 years studying emotional intelligence (EQ) in sports and has trained more than 300 coaches across tons of sports. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: Easy neurohacks to stay calm and play better. How to stay present and centered every round. The importance of sleep in storing your practice sessions. A sneaky good brain based hack to drain more short putts. Why you need to pick contrasting targets off the tee and approaches. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (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%). 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: 90+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible. Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube

Jan 23, 2026 • 1h 17min
Mike Carroll - The Secrets to Strength Training for Golf (Fitness Friday)
Mike Carroll, creator of Fit For Golf and a decade-plus strength and conditioning coach, explains practical ways golfers get stronger, more mobile, and more durable. He breaks down why strength matters, how to structure warm-ups, power and strength work, sensible cardio, and easy speed-training routines. Short, actionable training habits you can start today.

Jan 22, 2026 • 1h 5min
462: Jim McLean - Inside the Mind of a Hall of Fame Coach
>>Join the Ultimate Offseason >>NEW BOOK: The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula: Train Smarter. Hit Longer. Play Forever. In this episode, I'm joined by Jim McLean, one of the most respected coaches in golf history and a Hall of Fame instructor whose work has influenced players and coaches around the world. Jim shares stories from the start of his coaching career, lessons learned playing college golf at the University of Houston, and his philosophy on teaching the entire game—not just the swing. We also dive into common mistakes amateurs make, how to think about contact and low point, and why the mental game and commitment matter more than most golfers realize. In this episode, you'll learn: Why great golf requires mastering the Total Game—long game, short game, mental game, and course management The most common setup mistake amateurs make (and how tension kills good swings) Why hitting down on the ball starts with proper weight and low-point control How a simple routine, commitment, and decisiveness can unlock better golf This episode is packed with timeless lessons from one of the game's great teachers—and applies whether you're working on your swing, mindset, or overall improvement plan. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (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: 90+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible. Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube

Jan 20, 2026 • 25min
461: 7 Proven Offseason Strategies Every Golfer Needs
Unlock your best golf season with easy offseason strategies! Discover why reflecting on your last season and setting clear goals can enhance your game. Learn to adopt a daily mindfulness habit to boost confidence. Explore the benefits of starting speed training safely and how to practice intentionally, even indoors. Fitness is key: build strength and mobility tailored for golf. Craft a personalized plan with actionable deliverables, so you’re ready to hit the course stronger and smarter come next season!

Jan 19, 2026 • 3min
The Ultimate Offseason is LIVE & On Sale This Week
>>Join the Ultimate Offseason now. Use code "WINTER" to save 20% on your investment. If you want this to be your best golf year ever, it won't happen by accident. Most golfers make the same mistake every offseason: They either do nothing… or they work on too many random things with no plan. In this episode, we talk about how to use the offseason the right way — building habits, structure, and clarity so that when the season starts, you're already ahead. Here's the truth most golfers don't want to hear: your golf season is decided before the first round. That's why I built the Wicked Smart Golf Offseason Program — a simple, proven system to help you: Train your mental game instead of overthinking on the course Upgrade your equipment. Practice with purpose with indoor strategies. Simplify golf fitness to build a better body. Increase swing speed with proven speed training. This isn't swing mechanics. It's about playing smarter, staying consistent, and showing up confident when it matters. If you want a clear plan — not guesswork — this is where to start. 👉 Learn more here: https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/offseason

Jan 16, 2026 • 53min
Dr. Jeremy James: Build Strength, Avoid Injuries & Play Golf Forever (Fitness Friday)
>>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%). Today's guest is Dr. Jeremy James — a leading authority in golf fitness, injury prevention, and spinal health. He's the founder of GolfForever, a digital training system trusted by thousands of golfers worldwide, and the co-author of the bestselling book The Younger Next Year Back Book. Dr. James has spent his career helping golfers eliminate pain, build strength, and play the game for life — and today, he's here to share how you can do the same. In this episode, we'll cover: How golfers should warm up Core strength and avoiding back problems The one thing he wishes every golfer would for their fitness The biggest mobility and flexibility myths you need to understand How GolfForever can help you add strength, reduce chances of injury, and play better golf for decades to come And a lot more. Take your health seriously so you can play this awesome game forever! WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (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. Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible. Simplify "golf fitness" with my newest book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube

Jan 15, 2026 • 1h
460: John Novosel Jr. - Use Tour Tempo to Dominate the Offseason
>>Get the Tour Tempo Masterclass now (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 20%). >>Speed train with RYPSTICK (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 20%). >>Get the Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula (Amazon or Audible). John Novosel Jr. is back for part 3 to talk more about tempo. John is the creator of the Tour Tempo app based on his dads book, Tour Tempo and Tour Tempo 2... some of my favorite golf books of all time. In this episode, we talk about how to train your tempo in the offseason. You will learn: John's new 1:1 tempo discovery. How to train your tempo in the winter. Why tempo cleans up your stroke and swing. How to identify your tempo and adjust quickly. The difference between short game vs. long game tempo. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (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. Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible. Simplify "golf fitness" with my newest book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube

Jan 13, 2026 • 25min
459: How "Unconscious Putting" Will Help You STOP 3-Jacks
Learn to conquer those pesky three-putts with mental strategies! Discover how to go 'unconscious' on the greens, as inspired by Dave Stockton’s book. Michael highlights the importance of visualizing your putt line and trusting your instincts, leaving the guide strokes behind. Build confidence with a personalized highlight reel of your best putts. Also, warm up effectively by hitting short putts to boost your mental game. Emphasizing routine and positive self-talk can transform your game this season!


