
Wicked Smart Golf
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.
Latest episodes

Jul 3, 2025 • 29min
407: Want Lower Scores FAST? These 10 Lessons Will Help
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%). In this June recap you'll learn tons of ways to play better golf without swing changes, including: The best way to warm up pre-round How to easily overcome negative thoughts mid-round Why you need to be very careful about labeling yourself How choosing your target early (and reviewing often) can help you make more committed swings. And a lot more. >>Read Your Brain Swings Every Club by Dr. Izzy Justice 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%) 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).

10 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 4min
REPLAY: Jordan Hagel - The Journey to Scratch Golf
Join Jordan Hagel, co-host of the Member Guest Podcast and mental golf coaching student, as he shares his inspiring journey to becoming a plus handicap golfer. He emphasizes that boring golf is key to breaking 80 and reveals how course management is vital for scoring in the 70s. Discover the impact of DECADE stats on his off-season strategy and learn how to maintain your momentum when going low. Jordan also highlights the importance of developing a strong work ethic to lower your handicap and unlock your full potential.

Jun 27, 2025 • 3min
ANNOUNCEMENT: Wicked Smart Golf III is LIVE!
>>Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible. Inside, you’ll discover how to find, prepare, and perform in tournament golf: Section I: Tournament Golf 101 Learn why playing in events is the fastest way to improve—and how to get started (even if you’re a mid-handicapper). Using the Three-Tier Tournament System, you’ll learn how to find the right event and chase your goals with clarity. Section II: Train Like a Tournament Golfer Discover a complete mental and physical blueprint to show up 100% ready. You’ll get detailed practice strategies (with printable plans), practice round strategies, and preparation tools to help you manage nerves and build confidence. Section III: Thriving in Tournament Golf Learn strategies that help you stay focused, bounce back from bad holes, and handle pressure like a tour pro. You’ll also discover proven techniques used on the PGA Tour to manage your energy, deal with playing partners, emotions, and game plan across all 18 holes. Section IV: Play Wicked Smart and Win Every Format Learn how to adjust your strategy for one-day qualifiers, multi-day events, match play, and team competitions. You’ll uncover format-specific tactics, key rules for partner events, and how to manage your energy and strategy to play your best from the first tee to the final putt. Section V: The 19th Hole Champion Mindset Develop a post-round ritual that reinforces confidence and highlights areas to improve. Learn how to reflect with purpose, avoid burnout, and build sustainable tournament success for years to come. This book isn’t about playing perfect golf—it’s about competing with confidence, making smarter decisions, and building a system you can trust under pressure. Whether you want to win your club championship, qualify for elite amateur events, or simply play better under pressure, Wicked Smart Golf III will help you think, prepare, and perform like an elite tournament golfer. Grab your copy today and take your competitive game to the next level.

Jun 26, 2025 • 32min
406: Tournament Golf Mastery To Perform Under Pressure
>>Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible. Thanks for all the support and excited to complete the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy. Congrats to all the winners - check your email for next steps. Mentioned in this episode: Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Pre-Shot Like a Pro: Develop pre-shot routines from tee to green. WhyGolf Putting Thing: The best putting training aid for indoor/outdoor practice. Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) 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 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).

5 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 25min
REPLAY: Mark Immelman - 7 Lessons from Legends + Recap
Joining the discussion is Mark Immelman, a three-time All-American and veteran in the golf world. He shares insights from his book "Lessons From The Best," including the importance of dreams and preparation. Mark recounts a memorable experience with Tiger Woods and emphasizes the significance of mindset when things go awry on the course. He advocates for simple yet effective practice techniques and highlights the value of resilience in pursuing your golfing passion. Expect anecdotes from Augusta and tips to elevate your game!

8 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 5min
405: Dr. Izzy Justice - How to Easily Train Your Brain for Better Golf
Dr. Izzy Justice, a sports neuroscientist and seasoned athlete, shares groundbreaking insights to elevate your golf game. He explains why heads-up putting is counterproductive and emphasizes early target selection for a relaxed mind. Justice advocates for digital detoxing and highlights how bedtime highlight videos can enhance your swing. He also delves into the importance of mental clarity and sensory input, providing practical strategies to combat negative thoughts and improve focus under pressure. Get ready to transform your mental approach to golf!

Jun 17, 2025 • 22min
404: 7 US Open Lessons to Lower Your Handicap
Register for the FREE Training: Score Like a Scratch Golfer on 6/18 at 430pm PST. 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 big). >>Fill out this short survey to enter into the episode 400 giveaway (must submit by June 13th at 11:59pm PST to be eligible). The 2025 US Open was fantastic, love to see the underdog story and the course was brutal. But even if you aren't a pro, you can learn SO much from the best players in the world. In this episode, I'll share seven key takeaways to help you score better (without swing changes), including: The optimistic mindset Why you should stop rushing putts The bogey or better mindset to avoid blowup holes Why patience is so key when you're playing brutal conditions Get your FREE putting routine checklist to dial in your process. 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. HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Mental Golf Type: The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). 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 Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible

Jun 12, 2025 • 58min
403: Dr. Troy Van Biezen - Golf Fitness Secrets From Scottie Scheffler's Trainer
Register for the FREE Training: Score Like a Scratch Golfer on 6/18 at 430pm PST. 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 big). 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 >>Fill out this short survey to enter into the episode 400 giveaway (must submit by June 13th at 11:59pm PST to be eligible). >>Read the Fathers Day Gift Guide! 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%) 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. WHYGOLF Training Aids: The best training aids to help your practice sessions. Mental Golf Type: The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). 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 Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible

Jun 10, 2025 • 24min
402: Las Vegas City Am Recap - The Good, Bad, and Ugly
>>Fill out this short survey to enter into the episode 400 giveaway (must submit by June 13th at 11:59pm PST to be eligible). >>Get started with GolfForever (20% off through 6/17/25) - use code "WICKEDSMART"). Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Learn about my experience at Las Vegas City Am so you can play better this summer. Whether you're a tournament golfer or not, this episode will help your game. In this episode you will learn: How to reset after poor rounds Why you need to eat/drink every three holes The importance of never labeling yourself and skills Why you need to get back to home base practice sessions And a lot more strategies to play better without swing changes. 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. WHYGOLF Training Aids: The best training aids to help your practice sessions. Mental Golf Type: The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). 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 Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible

6 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 4min
401: Jason Baile - Learn From The #1 PGA Coach of 2025
Join Jason Baile, the 2025 PGA National Teacher of the Year and Director of Instruction at Jupiter Hills Club, as he shares his expert insights. He discusses the importance of finding your 'golf superpower' and establishing a reliable 'home base' for practice. Listeners will learn about shifting from random drills to intentional practice, leveraging technology like launch monitors, and the crucial role of mobility in performance. Perfect for golfers at any level, Baile's tips aim to sharpen skills and enhance overall game strategy.