

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

Aug 16, 2024 • 6min
297: Do THIS When You're Spiraling Out of Control
There's nothing worse than feeling like you're spiraling out of control mid-round. When you make a bad swing, a big number, or can't get comfortable you MUST slow down... you have to get your mind to calm down so you can get out of stress and into the zone. Learn more about this technique from the book, GYRA Golf by Dr. Izzy Justice. 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”)

Aug 15, 2024 • 58min
REPLAY: Derek Deminsky - How to Become a Wedge Wizard
>>Download my FREE 10-page guide to become a wedge wizard. Does your short game need help? Are you ready to stop wasting shots around the green? If so, you'll love today's episode with Derek Deminsky of Golf Better Tuscon. Derek has nearly 150,000 followers on his Instagram and is the Director of Instruction at the Forty Niner Country Club in Tucson, AZ. He was the Southwest PGA Teacher of the Year in 2022 and works with all types of golfers - from high handicappers to PGA Tour pros. In this episode, you will learn: How to dial in wedges from 30 to 100 yards. Why the right wedges will help your short game. How a routine can prepare your mind and body for any shot. About Derek’s incredible experience qualifying for a PGA Tour event. The two biggest mistakes golfer make in the bunker (and the only two shots you need from the sand). Check out Derek's website to learn more about working together and follow on Instagram more epic content. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching 10X your confidence putting with the Look and Shoot Method. Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice Like a Pro. Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro. 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”) Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.

7 snips
Aug 13, 2024 • 24min
296: 7 Midseason Lessons You Must Learn to Break 80
>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Ready to break 80? You need to learn these seven midseason lessons FAST. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: How playing faster can help you play better. The importance of getting back to the basics. The easiest way to have more fun every round. Why you can't take swing changes to the course (this is a big mistake so many players make). The importance of having a solid green reading routine and how it can give you confidence and commitment. And a lot more! Make sure to enroll in Wicked Smart Golf Academy so you can join us for the group coaching call on Thursday, 8/15 at 4pm PST. 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”)

Aug 9, 2024 • 4min
295: Stop Overthinking So Much on the Course
Stop thinking so much and I bet you'll play better fast. This topic was inspired from the 2-part episode with Landon Michelson (ep 293/294). When you think less and have more feels, it's easier to access your subconscious and get in the zone. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES 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”)

10 snips
Aug 8, 2024 • 32min
294: Landon Michelson - Shift Your Self Belief for Lower Scores Fast
Landon Michelson is today's guest - he is a holistic golf instructor and former professional golfer. He played 10 years professionally on PGA Tour Latin America, PGA Tour Canada and Sunshine Tour. He is also a certified Fluid Motion Factor instructor and specializes in helping golfers understand their own games and access what they already own. This aligns well with your philosophy of improving without major swing changes. In this episode, you will learn: The craziest US Open story... ever? How to shift your self-belief on the greens. How to find freedom to play your best golf ever. How to cope with the highs and lows of tournament golf. His inspiring story of working with a sports psychologist to reaching his true potential. Follow Landon on Instagram and DM to learn more about coaching opportunities. 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%) 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 8, 2024 • 4min
20 Winners Announced from WSG Survey!
Thanks so much for filling out the survey to help me make the best content and learn more about your game! As announced in the episode I gave away even more based on the tremendous response. In total 20 people will get awesome FREE stuff: 7 people get Wicked Smart Golf on Audible 7 people get access to Pre-Shot Like a Pro 3 people get access to Wicked Smart Golf Academy 3 people get 1:1 mental golf coaching calls in September And every other participant will get a custom email with my best resources to help your game based on your survey answers. Look out for an email from me soon. Thanks again for the continued support of Wicked Smart Golf! 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%) Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). 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”)

26 snips
Aug 6, 2024 • 46min
293: Landon Michelson - How Routines Lead to 10X Confidence
Get Arccos Golf to track your stats with 10% off! Landon Michelson is today's guest - he is a holistic golf instructor and former professional golfer. He played 10 years professionally on PGA Tour Latin America, PGA Tour Canada and Sunshine Tour. He is also a certified Fluid Motion Factor instructor and specializes in helping golfers understand their own games and access what they already own. This aligns well with your philosophy of improving without major swing changes. In this interview, you will learn: The power of letting go to play your best. What to do when you're spiraling mid-round. The difference between swing feelings vs. swing thoughts. The power of anger and creating enemies to fire yourself up. Why pre-round routines can help you prepare for tournaments. What it's like being a caddy and why kids should work at the golf course. The art of a good warm up to get mentally and physically ready for the round. Follow Landon on Instagram and DM to learn more about coaching opportunities. 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%) 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 2, 2024 • 5min
292: Don't Let This Mistake Ruin Your Practice
Practice is a pillar to playing wicked smart golf... but are you doing it the right way? Listen to this short episode to make sure you're not making a crucial practice mistake that I made for years! Fill out this short survey to help me produce the best content and get entered to win all kinds of awesome free stuff. 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%) 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
Aug 1, 2024 • 54min
291: Michael Leonard - Mental Secrets to 10X Your Mindset
Fill out this short survey to help me produce the best content and get entered to win all kinds of awesome free stuff. Today you'll get to hear me on the Member Guest Podcast sharing more about the mental game. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: What is the mental game in golf. The importance of focusing on what you want. Why stress is the ultimate killer of performance. Some of the biggest mistakes most golfers make. Why Rory probably missed his final putt on the 18th green at the US Open. How to use MGT (Mental Golf Type) to master your mind by playing golf like your personality type. Make sure to follow Member Guest on Instagram too. Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 25% off). Read my full Mental Golf Type review now. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro 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.

Jul 30, 2024 • 22min
REPLAY: How GYRA Golf Can Transform Your Mental Game
Fill out this short survey to help me produce the best content and get entered to win all kinds of awesome free stuff. GYRA Golf is one of my new favorite golf books ever. If you're ready to take your mental game to the next level Dr. Izzy Justice and GYRA Golf is just what you need. I binge read this book in about a day and implemented the tactics immediately. It resulted in one of the best mental game's I've ever had in a tournament and a quality round of golf in 110 degrees. In this episode I'll recap some of the book and share a few tips to help you get your mental game under control including: Why the mental game is 93% of golf. What it takes to get in the zone (and stay there). How to identify your emotional state after each hole. The ACT breathing technique to calm down and relax. Make sure to read GYRA Golf is you're ready to understand how the mind to unlock your best golf ever. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro 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.