
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 2,000,000 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.
Latest episodes

Sep 13, 2024 • 5min
309: 2 Simple Tricks From a PGA Tour Winner
Learn two simple tricks from PGA Tour winner Charlie Beljan to hit more greens and play more consistent golf (without changing your swing). Listen to episodes 307/308 to get tons of tips from Charlie to play wicked smart. Make sure to learn more about Decade Golf...The #1 course management system (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”)

14 snips
Sep 12, 2024 • 36min
308: Charlie Beljan - Simple Strategies to Hit More Greens
>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Charlie Beljan is a pro golfer born in Mesa, Arizona who went on to win the 2002 US Junior Amateur. He also won the 2006 Arizona Amateur before playing college golf at the University of New Mexico. After graduating Charlie turned pro in 2007 and played on the Gateway Tour from 2008-2011. He won seven times and led the money list in 2009. He earned his PGA Tour card in 2012 and went on to win the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic. In this episode, you will learn: His crazy US Open story How to finish the round strong How to bounce back after a blowup hole His approach shot strategy outside 150 yards Why you should never whine about course conditions The biggest mistake most golfers make with wedges Why you need a carry number and the importance of knowing your distance WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Decade Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”)

Sep 10, 2024 • 33min
307: Charlie Beljan - How to Think Your Way to Lower Scores Fast
>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Charlie Beljan is a pro golfer born in Mesa, Arizona who went on to win the 2002 US Junior Amateur. He also won the 2006 Arizona Amateur before playing college golf at the University of New Mexico. After graduating Charlie turned pro in 2007 and played on the Gateway Tour from 2008-2011. He won seven times and led the money list in 2009. He earned his PGA Tour card in 2012 and went on to win the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic. In this episode, you will learn: The truth about 1st tee jitters How to stay focused during the round About Charlie’s first PGA Tour experience His secret trick to reset expectations during the round Why you should be “scared” of the sick or hungover golfer How he got through Q-school to get his card using a “wicked smart” strategy WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Decade Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”)

Sep 6, 2024 • 5min
306: Stop Running from Bad Rounds
It's time to stop running from your bad days and learn from them. First, stop being embarrassed with a bad shot, bad round, or bad stretch of golf... this game is wildly complicated no matter how good you get. Second, make sure you learn from every round so you don't continue to make the same mistakes over and over again. Track your stats using Arccos Golf or Decade Golf and always write down what worked / what did not in a golf journal or note in your phone. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Decade Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”)

16 snips
Sep 5, 2024 • 44min
305: Ryan Sawyer - Learn From Bad Rounds & Avoid Equipment Mistakes
Ryan Sawyer is a +4 handicap, fellow Taco Bell fanatic, and Old Town Golf Shop. I met Ryan in 2018 after quitting my corporate job and quickly bonded over tournament golf. Ryan is an entrepreneur who chased the mini tour life, has worked in the golf world for decades, and took a side hustle into a full-time golf business. They've sold 5,000+ shafts and specializes in helping golfers play the right equipment. In this interview, you will learn: The most common equipment mistakes. Why golf is the ultimate adrenaline rush. His epic round playing with Jordan Spieth. The best way to prepare for golf tournaments. Why scratch golf is nothing like professional golf. How he turned a golf side hustle into a full-time business. What he learned from nearly a decade of professional golf. Learn more about Old Town Golf Shop to get discount shafts so you can play better fast. Don't forget to follow Old Town Golf on Instagram too. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Decade Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”)

13 snips
Sep 3, 2024 • 21min
304: Why 98% of Golfers NEVER Become Scratch & 5 Fixes
>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Only 2% of amateur golfers become scratch handicap! Why? Learn in this episode, plus tangible steps to become a scratch golfer. The USGA found that of those golfers with an active handicap, only 60,000 are scratch handicaps (or better). But don't let those numbers get you down. From changing your practice routines, adding more distance, improving your mental game, and more. If your goal is to become a scratch golfer, you can do it! But it does take hard work, patience, and perseverance to become one of these elite golfers. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Decade Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Download the Pre-Shot Routine Checklist (100% FREE) Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”)

Aug 30, 2024 • 5min
303: How to Build Confidence Even on Missed Putts
Use this quick putting hack I learned from Zen Putting so you can build confidence even if the ball doesn't find the bottom of the cup. Don't forget, to play your best golf, focus on the process NOT the results. Use the "made" vs. "holed" trick so you can have more confidence on every putt. WICKED SMART GOLF PUTTING RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching 10X your confidence on the greens with the Look and Shoot Method. Get my FREE guide to become a Clutch Putter. Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”) Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.

10 snips
Aug 29, 2024 • 22min
302: 36 Holes, -3 for T3 - Wicked Smart Tournament Recap
>>>Enter the RAPSODO MLM2 Pro Giveaway with this Instagram post! Today, I'll recap my first of two events in Oregon, where I was the defending champion. Unfortunately, the "DC" didn't repeat, but I still shot -3 in 36 holes, tied for 3rd, and played some incredible golf. As always, there were tons of lessons that I learned to help your game from tee to green. Whether you play tournament golf or not, I know these 10 lessons will help you play "wicked smart", shoot lower, and have more fun. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: The bogey or better mentality. Why you need to have ZERO expectations before any round of golf. How a go-to warm-up routine can help you battle off pre-round jitters How affirmations and hard work can help you transform your putting. Why knowing your distances is so important to not wasting shots and hitting more greens. About one of my best back 9's ever and how you need to apply the "fighting" mindset to finish strong. And a lot more. If you want even more tips to play more consistent, make sure to join Wicked Smart Golf Academy. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Decade Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”)

5 snips
Aug 27, 2024 • 25min
301: 10 Mind-Blowing Mental Golf Lessons (John Weir Recap)
Before this John Weir interview recap, take your FREE Mental Golf Type Assessment now (it'll make the episode even better). John Weir - creator of the Mental Golf Type® program, caddy, and author of Golfer’s Guide to Mental Fitness had an epic two part interview last week (298/299). Today I'll recap what I learned and how to use his incredible mental wisdom for better scores. When you listen to this interview, you will learn: The power of the questions you ask yourself. How a "confident mistake" can change your game. How to mentally start and end the day with intention. Why consistency is the key to getting what you want in golf and life. How to focus the entire round by using the "3x6" rule that John has used while caddying for professional golfers. And a lot more! WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”) or listen on Audible. Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.

Aug 23, 2024 • 4min
300: 3 Words to NEVER Use During a Round
Learn the three words you should never use during a round of golf if you want to play your best. Plus, a quick tip for a mental reset if you accidentally use them. Make sure to listen to 298 & 299 with Mental Golf Type creator John Weir for more mental game hacks. Use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 25% on Mental Golf Type products. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Decade Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”)