

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

Jul 29, 2024 • 1min
Short Survey to Win FREE Coaching + Academy Access
Fill out this short survey to help me produce the best content and get entered to win all kinds of awesome free stuff including FREE mental golf coaching, access to Wicked Smart Golf Academy, copies of my book, and more. To get entered into the giveaways you must fill out survey by 11:59 pm PST on August 2nd.

Jul 26, 2024 • 4min
290: Stop Neglecting This to Play Better Golf
Learn one of the biggest pre-round mistakes that most golfers make that is holding you back from playing your best golf. 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”)

10 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 56min
289: Shaun Diackhoff - 7 Golf Fitness Mistakes to Avoid
Fill out this short survey to help me produce the best content and get entered to win all kinds of awesome free stuff. To lower your handicap and play more consistent you need to take your fitness seriously. Most golfers suffer from back injuries that can wreak havoc on your future... so it's important to bring on a fitness guest to avoid some of the most common fitness mistakes. Shaun Diackhoff is a 3-time guest (episode 77 & 138) is a strength and conditioning coach and fellow golf addict. He's been a personal trainer since 2009 and left his career in 2014 in Aviation Maintenance in the Australian Military to pursue his passion for fitness. He's been helping people change their bodies ever since and got into online training in 2021 with a focus on helping golfers. Now, he has the popular training platform Fairway Performance App and a huge following on Instagram. In this episode, we'll cover: Why you can't ignore core strength. The difference between mobility vs. flexibility. How a proper fitness routine can 10X your mental game. The dangers of following too many plans on social media. Why you need to stop setting unrealistic expectations (on or off the golf course). How a TPI assessment can help you create custom improvement plans to help your golf swing. And a lot more. 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”)

Jul 23, 2024 • 25min
288: 5 Lessons From Torrey Pines & Open Championship
Fill out this short survey to help me produce the best content and get entered to win all kinds of awesome free stuff. I'll be choosing winners for: One mental golf coaching call ($250 value) to master your mental game. Two memberships to Wicked Smart Golf Academy ($200 value) to help lower your handicap. Three memberships to Pre-Shot Like a Pro ($97 value) to help you play more consistently. Answers MUST be submitted by August 2nd. In today's episode, you will learn: The importance of patience & perseverance. Why you need to stop tinkering before rounds. Why birdies putts are harder to make than pars (and a quick fix) How a short golf break can help you mentally reset and bounce back. And more. Make sure to download my FREE putting routine checklist. 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”)

Jul 19, 2024 • 4min
287: 3 Easy Hacks to Go Low During Summer Golf
If you want to play better this summer you need to get your mind and body ready. My three keys to playing in extreme heat (and humidity) is to add electroyltes (Re-lyte is my favorite), eat plenty of food to stay energized, and get plenty of rest. According to Sponer, “Dehydration can not only impact your performance physically but it can also negatively impact your mental game. Your cognitive performance is just as important as your physical performance. Dehydration can lead to slower reaction times, increased fatigue, and poor concentration.” Your golf game depends on your hydration...Dehydration is a killer to performance! 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”)

17 snips
Jul 18, 2024 • 52min
REPLAY: Josh Nichols - How Mental Range Balls Lead to Lower Scores
Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST Way to Play Consistent Golf. Today's guest is Josh Nichols - the host of The Mental Golf Show podcast and mental golf coach. After years of not playing up to his potential he took the mental game seriously and dove into the world of sports psychology. He's competed at the highest levels of amateur golf which included a runner-up finish at the 2017 U.S. Mid-Am Championship. That year he was also the 2nd ranked player in the WAGR mid-amateur rankings. Today we do a deep dive on all things mental game including: The importance of pre-shot routines. How to 10x your golf mindset off the course. How a mantra can help you stay present and focused. The biggest mental golf issues holding most players back. Why you need to set intentions every time you play or practice. Connect with our guest: Host of The Mental Golf Show Owner of Foundations Mental Performance Twitter: @joshlukenichols 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. 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”)

4 snips
Jul 16, 2024 • 19min
286: 7 RULES to Break 80 Consistently
>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! R️eady to break 80 in golf? If so, you need to follow these 7 rules every round. When you do, you'll start breaking 80 and shooting in the 70s a lot more often. As you'll learn, breaking 80 isn't about 300 yard drives, attacking pins, or making endless putts. Instead, it's about avoiding big mistakes, play smart golf, and having a solid mental game. Follow these rules and watch your scores drop fast! Resources Mentioned in this Episode Decade Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products 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. 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”)

4 snips
Jul 12, 2024 • 5min
285: A $30 Grip Trainer Changed My Ballstriking
Do you need an easy to use swing trainer to improve your tempo and grip? If so, you'll love this Mile High Life Golf Tempo Trainer on Amazon. After making some grip changes this tool has helped my grip and tempo. It's an easy to use tool that can help 365 days a year. Never forget the importance of a solid grip to build a reliable golf swing! Don't forget to use iRange Sports Stick to record your swing (use code "wickedsmart" to save 10%). Learn more about working with Dr. Luke Benoit (the #1 rated instructor in Minnesota by Golf Digest). 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”)

8 snips
Jul 11, 2024 • 1h 8min
284: Ryan Dunahoe - Winning His 1st Tournament & Mental Coaching
This episode with Ryan Dunahoe - a wicked smart golf listener - will inspire you! He reached out a few weeks ago letting me know he won his first tournament with a career low round (71). Today, we'll recap his epic day and I'll offer some mental golf tips using the Mental Golf Type system. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: Ryan's tournament golf journey. How he bounced back from a bad event. How to manage emotions better on the course. The importance of overcoming a bad first tee shot. Why you should get into competitive events (even if you don't feel ready). And a lot more! Don't forget to grab my FREE tournament golf checklist so you can gain confidence in competition. 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”)

9 snips
Jul 9, 2024 • 19min
283: How to Read Greens Like a Pro (7 Proven Tips)
>>Stop 3-putting with the Look and Shoot Putting System. If you want to stop 3-putting so often, it’s vital to learn how to read greens properly. Mastering this skill can significantly lower your scores and boost your confidence on the greens. Today I’ll share what I’ve learned over 25 years of playing, reveal the number one question to ask on every green, and more green reading tips that will help you sink more putts! Don't forget to download my FREE putting routine checklist so you can stop 3-putting! Also, don't forget to learn more about the Look and Shoot Putting System. 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”)