

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

Sep 4, 2025 • 52min
425: Karl Morris - Mindset Lessons from Golf’s Top Performance Coach
>>Train Your Swing 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 one of the world’s leading performance coaches, Karl Morris. Based in the UK, Karl has worked with over 100 professional golfers, including major champions like Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke, and Graeme McDowell. He’s the creator of the popular Mind Caddie app, host of the Mind Caddie Podcast, and author of the acclaimed Lost Art of Golf book series, which has transformed how golfers think about the game. Karl’s mission is simple but powerful: to help golfers of all levels understand the mental side of golf, play with more freedom, and unlock their true potential. In this episode, you will learn: How to stay focused all 18 holes Why you need to stop judging every shot The importance of telling yourself better stories The power of clarity and intention to walk into shots with confidence And a lot more mental game tips to play better without swing changes. Check out the Mind Caddie podcast and Mind Caddie app too. 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 2, 2025 • 22min
424: 10 Lessons from Last Month to Go Wicked Low (Aug Recap)
Get DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). August is over and want to make sure you don't miss any of the epic content from our guests. I'll also share my USGA mid-am recap as well. When you listen, you will learn: Why Bryce Cope stresses fundamentals as a +5 handicap (and his surprising take on thinking about the swing during the round). How fitness icon Gregg Avedon recommends golfers training to add strength. Why Jeremy James suggests full body training and his tips on mobility to activate your body. How to improve your golf game and life w/Derek Belch. 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).

21 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 10min
Lou Stagner - Track Stats, Manage Expectations and Add Speed (Flashback Friday)
Lou Stagner, a performance coach and data analyst known as the 'Golf Stat Pro,' discusses how statistics can transform the game of golf. He emphasizes the importance of tracking metrics like strokes gained and how they reveal weaknesses. Lou explains how driving distance can help lower handicaps and shares insights on smart course strategies, like aiming for the middle of the green. He also highlights the power of expectations in performance and encourages listeners to utilize tools like Arccos Golf to enhance their game.

Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 18min
423: Derek Belch - Lessons on Winning in Golf, Life, and Business
>> Get DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Derek Blech is a former Stanford kicker turned entrepreneur, best known as the founder and CEO of STRIVR, a groundbreaking virtual reality company that’s worked with NFL teams, Fortune 500 companies, and even the Department of Defense. Now he’s combining his passion for business and golf with his new podcast, Golfing CEO, where he sits down with leaders to explore the lessons the game teaches about performance, leadership, and life. In this conversation, we’ll dive into Derek’s journey from the football field to building a multimillion-dollar tech company How golf continues to shape his approach to business. His awesome goal with Carson Palmer to qualify for multiple PGA Tour events What listeners can expect from his brand-new show, The Golfing CEO And a lot more tips to help you perform under pressure. Check out Derek's links below to listen and learn more: Apple | Spotify | Instagram | Website 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).

4 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 25min
422: Master Stat Tracking (Best Apps, Common Mistakes, and Benefits)
Discover why tracking your golf stats could be your secret weapon to lower scores. Learn about common mistakes players make and which statistics really matter. Find out the best apps and tools to help manage your game, along with some classic methods. Unlock your potential by focusing on the 'strokes gained' concept, turning numbers into smarter practice and a confident strategy on the course. Get ready to elevate your game!

Aug 21, 2025 • 52min
421: Dr. Jeremy James: Build Strength, Avoid Injuries and Play Golf Forever
>>Join Golf Forever Today: 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 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).

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).

19 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.

23 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.