

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

Oct 9, 2025 • 59min
434: Dr. Andrea Wieland - How to Train Your Mind for Peak Performance
>>Improve Practice With HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Today's guest is Dr. Andrea Wieland — Olympian, psychologist, high-performance expert, and founder of Winning Systems Psychology. She's the author of The Confident Performer, holds an MBA and PhD from The University of Iowa, and competed on the 1996 U.S. Olympic Field Hockey team. For 25+ years she's been building "systems of winning," not just for athletes but for leaders, teams, and performers in high-pressure fields. She's led mental conditioning at IMG Academy, overseen Sports Medicine, Nutrition, Mental Health & Performance for ~1,000+ athletes across 33 sports at Penn Athletics, and works with folks from special operations soldiers to elite amateurs. Her work focuses on integrating mental resilience, identity, consistency, and wellness — seeing the athlete as a whole person, not just for scorecards. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: The four domains of your identity. The goal of golf (hint: it's not winning). How your self-image can sabotage success. Why you need systems to succeed in golf (and life). How an alter ego can help your mindset on and off the course. Make sure to check out her website to learn more about her book and training. 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%). 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).

Oct 7, 2025 • 23min
433: 9 Speed Training Mistakes That Sabotage Your Scores
>>Get the #1 Speed Trainer in Golf: Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) >>Join the Wicked Smart Golf 30-Day Speed Challenge. If you want to make golf easier, you MUST start speed training! More speed equals more distance which makes golf SO much easier. Today, I'll share the biggest speed training mistakes that are holding you back from playing your best golf. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: How distance makes golf easier. Why you must warm up beforehand. The best tools to increase clubhead speed. Why you need to speed train in and out of season. And more tips to get you excited about speed training. Related blogs: Best Golf Speed Trainers Rypstick Speed Trainer Review Rypstick vs. SuperSpeed Golf Comparison 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 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).

Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 36min
432: Michael Leonard - The Secrets to Better Golf Without Swing Changes
>>Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Today I'm grateful to share an episode where I was interviewed for the HalfWay Hut Podcast. They asked some amazing questions and give you insight into quitting the corporate world, going all in on golf, and what it takes to break 80 consistently (without swing changes). When you listen to this episode, you will learn: Why you need the right tempo. Habits that lead to lower scores. Easy tips to go low without swing changes. How to avoid common equipment mistakes. The importance of your attitude on and off the golf course. And a lot more. Make sure to check out their growing podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Instagram for more great content. 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%). 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).

Sep 30, 2025 • 21min
REPLAY: 7 Rules to Break 80 Consistently
>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! >>Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently). 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! 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%). 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).

Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 38min
Dr. Nico Darras: The "Golf Blueprint" to Lower Scores (Flashback Friday)
>>Grab the Best Training Aid in Golf - HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). >>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Dr. Nico "Doc" Darras is the co-creator of Golf Blueprint. Dr. Nico had never played a full round of golf before the age of 23 and seven years later is a plus handicap and works with some of the best golfers in the world. Not to mention, countless amateurs that are strapped for time but want to practice more efficiently. His story is nothing short of inspiring and extremely valuable. When you listen, you will learn: The secret ingredient to better practice. How to actually prepare for tournament golf. Why you need a dynamic warm up routine. The importance of non-judgmental creative practice. How Golf Blueprint can transform your practice routines. How tournament golf can give you more courage in golf & life. Why competitive practice is the key to playing better under pressure. Why nerves aren't a bad thing (and how they happen to the best golfers in the world). How to save money playing golf + how to get your significant other on board with your golf schedule. Make sure to follow Dr. Nico on Instagram and check out Golf Blueprint to take your practice to the next level. 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. 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).

20 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 50min
431: Jeff Sullivan: Secrets of a +4 HDCP at 40 Years Young
In this conversation, Jeff Sullivan, a remarkable +4 handicap golfer and DECADE Golf-certified coach, reveals his secrets to elite golf performance. He shares how he structures his weekly practice around work and tournaments while emphasizing the importance of data-driven training. Jeff discusses effective warm-ups, mental strategies for tournament nerves, and how DECADE Golf transformed his course management. With practical tips on speed training and practice at home, he inspires improvement at every level. Follow him on Instagram for more insights!

Sep 23, 2025 • 26min
430: 7 Shocking Scratch Golf Stats to Reset Expectations
>>Start Speed Training with Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) >>Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently). If you're like most golfers, you have a big golf goal. Maybe it's a 10, 5, or even scratch handicap. The truth is that you're closer than you think! The problem is that most golfers have the WRONG expectations. Which makes it hard to achieve your goals! Today I'll share 7 stats and strategies from Wicked Smart Golf II to help you have the right metrics for your game. This will help you break 80 consistently and hopefully get a closer to that scratch golf goal. 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%). 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).

Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 11min
429: Brent Grant - The Grind, The Glory, & The Reality of Pro Golf
Brent Grant, a professional golfer from Jacksonville, shares his unconventional journey to the pro circuit after picking up a club at 13. He dives into the intense pressures of Q-School and his experiences on the Korn Ferry Tour, revealing the grind and challenges that come with it. Brent offers practical advice for amateurs, including mental strategies for tournament play and the importance of preparation. His insights on what separates the best players and his inspiration for those starting late in the game are both enlightening and motivational.

Sep 16, 2025 • 26min
428: 11 Match Play Secrets Every Golfer Needs to Know
>>Gain 10-15 Yards with Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) >>Fix Your Swing Fast WithHackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment) Match play is a different animal—it's not just about your score, it's about beating the golfer right in front of you. In this episode, I'll share 11 proven tips to help you thrive under the unique pressure of head-to-head competition. You'll learn how to: Adjust strategy based on your opponent's tee shot without losing your own game. Develop a "super short-term memory" so one bad hole doesn't derail the match. Use subtle mind games (ethically) to keep momentum on your side. Expect the impossible—because in match play, your opponent will pull off miracles. Build resilience, fight to the finish, and win even when the odds aren't in your favor. From practicing the right way between holes to making your opponent putt everything out, these strategies will give you the confidence and mental toughness to close out matches. 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%). 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).

Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 33min
Scott Fawcett: Strategy and Offseason Tips for Success (Flashback Friday)
Scott Fawcett, the creator of Decade Golf, shares his expertise on golf strategy and course management. He discusses offseason tips to add speed and the harsh truth about laying up, emphasizing the importance of being present on the course. Fawcett debunks common myths, suggesting that hitting more balls isn't always beneficial. He also highlights using a mini driver as an alternative to a 3W and introduces the 'Tiger Five' for tracking crucial golf statistics to enhance performance. Listeners gain valuable insights into mastering their game with data-driven techniques.


