

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

10 snips
May 20, 2025 • 1h 27min
REPLAY: Charlie Beljan - Think Like a PGA Tour Winner + 10 Lesson Recap
In this engaging discussion, PGA Tour winner Charlie Beljan shares his journey from a young golf prodigy to a successful pro. He delves into the significance of mental resilience, emphasizing strategies to manage blow-up holes and stay calm during high-pressure moments. Listeners will learn about the importance of knowing your carry distance and mastering wedge techniques to improve overall performance. Charlie also shares insights on crafting a strong mindset and provides practical tips for maintaining focus throughout the game.

May 15, 2025 • 49min
396: Dr. Nik Neal - Becoming a Top 1% Amateur Golfer
Get Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Train with Golf Forever: Use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15% on your investment. Today’s guest is Dr. Nik Neal, the founder of Golf Strong Hit Bombs — a unique fitness system designed specifically for golfers who want to play better, swing faster, and shoot lower scores. Nik is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a competitive elite amateur golfer, and one of the most respected voices in golf-specific fitness. He’s worked with golfers of all levels to help them move better, gain distance, and stay injury-free for the long haul. What makes Nik’s approach so effective is that he lives it himself. Not only has he created a system to help others, but he’s used it to transform his own game — becoming longer, more consistent, and more competitive than ever. In this episode, you will learn: Prehab vs. rehab. Why you MUST set big goals. His epic journey of tournament golf. The importance of distance for high level tournament golf. Why mobility and strength are game-changers for every golfer. Follow Dr. Neal on YouTube for his "Road to Augusta" series and on Instagram for daily tips. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). WHYGOLF Training Aids: The best training aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 50+ 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 Buy Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible Buy Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible

May 13, 2025 • 35min
395: How I Shot 68-71-75 for 2nd Place at PHX City
Get DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Get Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Today is a special episode as I break down one of my best tournaments ever (and best multi-day finish in Arizona). Whether you're a 5, 15 or 25 handicap, you will learn a ton from the episode, including: The mindset to going low. How to reframe past year failure. My stats each day to help you reset expectations. The importance of hitting it longer off the tee and how to get started. How to bounce back from really bad shots (I had several thin irons, a flub, and a 4-putt). And a lot more. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products WHYGOLF Training Aids: The best training aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 50+ 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 Buy Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible Buy Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible

24 snips
May 8, 2025 • 54min
394: Dr. Michael Lardon - Learn How to Unlock Peak Performance
Dr. Michael Lardon, a renowned sports psychiatrist, has coached elite performers like Phil Mickelson and Olympic athletes. He shares insights on achieving 'the zone' for peak performance in golf and the importance of pre-shot routines. He discusses mental scorecards to enhance focus and reduce anxiety, along with strategies for managing pressure during high-stakes moments. Listeners learn how mental preparation parallels physical skills and how to cultivate a resilient mindset for better performance.

May 6, 2025 • 19min
393: 7 Deadly Habits of BAD Golfers You Must Avoid
Get Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Habits make or break success (in golf and life). If you want to achieve your goals this year, you must avoid bad habits that most golfers have. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: How to pre-shot like a pro. Why you must have an optimistic mindset. How a distance chart can 10X your confidence. The importance of tracking stats to getting more insights into your game. And a lot more easy golf tips to help your mindset + game. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). WHYGOLF Training Aids: The best training aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 50+ 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 Buy Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible Buy Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible

May 3, 2025 • 25min
392: April Recap -15 Amazing Tips for Better Golf
Join Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 50+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. In this April recap, you'll get the best content from the month to help you play better without swing changes. When you listen, you will learn: Why score goals kill rounds. How to prepare for tournaments. The secret reason for tracking stats. The importance of mindset work for lower scores. My practice plan + the easiest way to practice like a pro and not waste time at the range. And a lot more. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). WHYGOLF Training Aids: The best training aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) 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 Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible Buy Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible

Apr 29, 2025 • 1h 16min
REPLAY: John Weir - How to Stop Sabotaging Your Score (9 Tips)
Before this interview with John Weir take your FREE Mental Golf Type Assessment now (it'll make the episode even better). John Weir is back for his 4th time on the show. He is one of the top names in the mental golf world and has real-world experience as a caddy on the PGA and Korn Ferry Tour. He is also the creator of the Mental Golf Type® program and author of Golfer’s Guide to Mental Fitness. When you listen, you will learn: How score goals sabotage rounds. The biggest mental mistakes holding you back. Why you need a growth mindset to play your best golf ever. Why self-talk and body language work together to change your beliefs and confidence. The three words you should NEVER say on the golf course (and a quick mental reset if you do say them). What to do if you're riding in a cart and don't have much time to react after a bad shot. Make sure to check out episode #62, #119 or #216 to learn more about Mental Golf Type for your "mental fitting" so you can shoot lower scores. Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment --> Mental Golf Type 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 Wicked Smart Golf Amazon or Audible Buy Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible.

Apr 24, 2025 • 49min
391: Sean Ogle - From Finance to Full Time Golf Content Creator
>>Join Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 50+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. I’m excited to welcome Sean Ogle, the founder of BreakingEighty.com, one of the most trusted and influential golf gear and travel websites on the internet. What started as a simple quest to break 80 turned into a massive online platform where Sean reviews everything from golf courses to rangefinders, training aids, and more. His honest, in-depth reviews have helped hundreds of thousands of golfers make smarter buying decisions—and play better golf because of it. In this episode, we talk about: How Breaking Eighty was born and what fueled Sean’s journey His journey to play the top 100 golf courses. His favorite golf gear of 2025 (and what’s overhyped) The secret benefit to tracking your stats with Arccos Golf And a lot more. If you’re into golf equipment, strategy, or want to create your own dream golf life—this one’s for you. Follow Sean on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). WHYGOLF Training Aids: The best training aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) 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 Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible Buy Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible

Apr 22, 2025 • 36min
390: Dissecting the Best/Worst Tournament 69 I've Ever Shot
>>Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Golf is hard and in this episode I share the ins and outs of what could've been the lowest round of my life to help you avoid the same mental pitfalls. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: Why you must stay present to go low The "Rory reframe" to help you flip your mindset switch. The importance of guided visualization to achieve your goals. How a bad warmup doesn't guarantee a bad round (unless you let it) And a lot more lessons from my recent one-day men's club event to help you play better (without swing changes). WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). WHYGOLF Training Aids: The best training aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 50+ 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 Buy Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible Buy Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible

Apr 17, 2025 • 55min
389: Mike Booker - Avoid These 7 Tournament Golf Mistakes
>>Learn to Practice Like a Pro with custom practice plans. >>Develop your Pre-Shot Routine to play better under pressure. Mike Booker (author of the Tournament Golfers Playbook) is back on Wicked Smart Golf for part three to share more about getting the most out of your game in competition. He's not only an author of one of my favorite mental golf books, but also a very successful golfer himself. As mentioned on his website, "Mike Booker is well known in Texas amateur golf and beyond. He has won a record number of Texas Golf Association events and multiple Texas Player of the Year distinctions. In 2019, he was inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame, joining the likes of Jackie Burke and Ben Hogan." In this episode, you will learn: Why you should skip setting score goals. The importance of pre-round prep to build confidence. Process orientation vs. results orientation to stay present. Why you must not abandon your pre-shot routine (even if you're playing poorly). How a post round debrief can help your mindset and game heading into multi-day events. Ready to play better in tournaments? Make sure to download my Tournament Golf Checklist so you can prepare like a pro. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). WHYGOLF Training Aids: The best training aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) 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 Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible Buy Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible