

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 19, 2024 • 59min
311: Michael Leonard - The True Power of a Strong Mental Game
>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Ready to lower your handicap and have more fun? Learn more about mental golf coaching - shoot me an email - michael@wickedsmartgolf.com Today I'm sharing an episode where I was a guest on the Mid-Am podcast, hosted by Tyler and Nathan. A podcast dedicated to improving at the game of golf while juggling the responsibilities that come with growing up. In this episode we covered a variety of topics including: How a tee shot trigger can add confidence. Why you need a reset ritual after a bad shot How to pick targets based on your personality type. How course management can help you drop shots quickly Learning if it's a mental or mechanical breakdown of your swing. Why tournament golf is a great way to speed up success and learn more about your game. Be sure to follow them on Instagram: Mid-Am podcast on Instagram - @midampodcast Tyler - @fadeandfairway Nathan - @nathan.furumasu 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")

14 snips
Sep 17, 2024 • 24min
310: 10 EASY Tips to Lower Your Handicap (Charlie B. Recap)
Don't forget, Wicked Smart Golf Academy is open and our September call is tomorrow at 4pm PST (enrollment is open). Today, I'm recapping my 2-part episode with PGA Tour winner Charlie Beljan (episode #307/308). In this episode, you will learn: The first 3/last 3 approach for consistent golf. An easy trick to hit wedges more pure every time. How to find the right type of golf coach to work with. The importance of resetting expectations (regardless of your skill level). The most important number to focus on with approach shots. Why it's so important to not play "golf swing" and just play golf. If you want to get access to Pre-Shot Like a Pro for free, make sure to leave a review on Audible or Amazon. Then screenshot it and DM me on Instagram (@wickedsmartgolf) or email me and I'll get you access to the program. 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 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")


