
Wicked Smart Golf
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 2,000,000 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.
Latest episodes

Mar 31, 2025 • 2min
The Practice Formula: How to Practice Like a Pro With 50+ Plans
>>Join the Practice Formula now for 50+ printable plans and a 90-minute practice masterclass. Price increases in one week! Want to finally practice with purpose and actually see results on the golf course? In this episode, I break down the Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula—a proven system built to help you train smarter, lower your scores, and stop wasting time at the range. Whether you have 30 minutes or a full 90-minute session, this formula gives you structured, easy-to-follow plans for every area of your game: full swing, wedges, short game, putting, and even mental game practice. I’ll also walk you through the 5 types of practice, the biggest mistakes most golfers make, and how to tailor your practice sessions based on the season and your specific goals. If you’re tired of hitting buckets without getting better, this episode will give you the blueprint to start improving fast. >>Join the Practice Formula now for 50+ printable plans and a 90-minute practice masterclass.

9 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 50min
383: Justin Kraft - 7 Practice Mistakes Killing Your Scores
Join Justin Kraft, a top-rated golf coach and Director of Instruction at Spring Hill Golf Club, as he shares key insights on refining your golf practice. Discover why blending block and variable practice is crucial for improvement. Learn how practicing without immediate feedback can enhance your skills. Justin emphasizes the disastrous effects of neglecting alignment and offers innovative tips to incorporate effective practice strategies. Tune in for practical advice that'll transform your game and elevate your scores!

Mar 25, 2025 • 58min
382: Brittany Fan - Pro Golf Secrets to Play Better Under Pressure
>>Make sure to join DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). I’m joined by pro golfer Brittany Fan. With years of competitive experience under her belt, she shares invaluable wisdom about tournament preparation, smart practice routines, and managing the mental highs and lows of the game. Whether you’re gearing up for a club championship or just want to play better under pressure, this conversation will help you play smarter, beat nerves, and show up prepared when it matters most. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: How to level up in tournaments through preparation and mindset The hidden costs of tournament golf Practice strategies that actually lead to better scoring How automatic routines help you perform under pressure Managing expectations and avoiding mental traps on the course Why tracking stats is essential to long-term improvement And a lot more. If you’re serious about tournament golf—or just want to train and think like a high-level player—this episode is a must-listen. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products 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. Mental Golf Type: The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). 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.

Mar 20, 2025 • 55min
REPLAY: Colin Morikawa's Mental Coach Reveals The Secret to Flow State
>>Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Dr. Rick Sessinghaus is a former professional golfer, director of FlowCode Golf Academy and mental golf coach who's worked with top players including Collin Morikawa. Other achievements and accolades include member of the PGA, a Certified Master Trainer of NLP, and was named Golf Tips Magazine's top 25 instructors in America. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: What is a "flow state." Why flow follows focus. The true goal of the mental game. How to identify mental vs. mechanical issues. What to do between shots to reduce blowup holes. How to get out of fear and into a flow state for more consistent golf. Learn more about FlowCode Academy, follow Rick on Instagram or TikTok, and follow FlowCode on Instagram. 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%) Mental Golf Type: The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). PrimePutt: The best putting mats in golf, use code “WICKEDSMART” to save 10% on your investment. Arccos Golf: The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). 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.

Mar 18, 2025 • 40min
381: How I Shot 68-71 and Won $900 – 10 Lessons for Lower Scores
>>Join DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Every round (especially tournament rounds) allow you to learn a ton. After shooting 68-71, I want to share 10 lessons to help you play better golf fast. When you listen, you will learn: How your stories shape your game. Why driving distance is so important. The mindset to hit clutch shots under pressure. Why you must grind out bogeys to save momentum. How to use awareness to eliminate bad habits and build a better mental game. The six three mindset that will transform your focus and course management. Make sure to enter the Wicked Smart Golf II Launch promotion as well (enter until 11:59pm PST on 4/8). WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products 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. Mental Golf Type: The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). 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.

Mar 13, 2025 • 40min
380: James Berry Pt. 2 & Wicked Smart Recap
Join DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Enter the Wicked Smart Golf II launch promotion. James Berry is a former professional golfer turned coach and author of The College Golfer. With years of experience competing at a high level and coaching elite players, James shares his insights on what separates high performers from the rest. We dive into the mental game, practice habits, and strategies that help golfers elevate their performance and play their best under pressure. When you listen to this interview, you will learn: How to think, act, and train like an elite player. Why you must get clear about your end goals. The importance of discipline to improve off and on the course. How a system to course management can help you improve decisions. And a lot more - look out for part two and my recap of this awesome episode on Thursday. Follow James Berry on Instagram and check out his website. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products 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. Mental Golf Type: The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). PrimePutt: The best putting mats in golf, use code “WICKEDSMART” to save 10% on your investment. Arccos Golf: The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). 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.

Mar 11, 2025 • 37min
379: James Berry - How to Think, Train & Play Like a High-Performer Pt. 1
Join DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Enter the Wicked Smart Golf II launch promotion. James Berry is a former professional golfer turned coach and author of The College Golfer. With years of experience competing at a high level and coaching elite players, James shares his insights on what separates high performers from the rest. We dive into the mental game, practice habits, and strategies that help golfers elevate their performance and play their best under pressure. When you listen to this interview, you will learn: James pro golf journey. How to think like an elite golfer. The importance of driving at high level golf. Going back to college in his late 20s to play college golf. Turning pro again before eventually getting into coaching and writing his book. And a lot more - look out for part two and my recap of this awesome episode on Thursday. Follow James Berry on Instagram and check out his website. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products 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. Mental Golf Type: The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). PrimePutt: The best putting mats in golf, use code “WICKEDSMART” to save 10% on your investment. Arccos Golf: The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). 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.

Mar 7, 2025 • 5min
Wicked Smart Golf II Is LIVE on Audible + New Launch Promotion!
My new book, Wicked Smart Golf II: The Blueprint to Breaking 80 Consistently is LIVE on Audible as well as Amazon (kindle + paperback + hardcover). Learn proven strategies to break 80 and play your best golf ever WITHOUT swing changes. Thanks so much for the support and encourage you to enter the new promotion. This promotion includes epic gifts like a ButterBlade from RypGolf, two memberships to Mental Golf Type, WhyGolf Putting Thing, and access to Wicked Smart Golf Academy. To enter, you must screenshot a review of WSG II or screenshot that you bought the Audible book. Then follow the instructions below: Enter the WSG2 Launch promotion (must have a Gmail address). Or email me your name and proof of purchase or screenshot of your review to wickedsmartgolf@gmail.com. Thanks for your support!

Mar 6, 2025 • 52min
378: Travis Key - Avoiding Dehydration and Golf Fitness Routines
Join DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Today's guest is Travis Key, the CEO of Strokes Gained Golf. He's a fitness addict, avid tournament golfer, and helping golfers avoid dehydration for better performance. After meeting him at the PGA Show, I knew I had to have him on the podcast. When you listen to this interview, you will learn: The importance of dehydration in golf. Getting into tournament golf and tips to perform under pressure. Why you need to improve fitness routines to reach your golf potential. How to avoid mental fatigue during the round by drinking more than just water. And more. Make sure to follow Strokes Gained on Instagram and check out their store on Amazon. 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. Mental Golf Type: The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). PrimePutt: The best putting mats in golf, use code “WICKEDSMART” to save 10% on your investment. Arccos Golf: The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). 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 (Audible coming soon).

6 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 28min
377: 10 Wicked Smart Tips for Better Golf (Feb Recap)
Discover the power of visualization for improving your golf game. Learn valuable lessons from the oldest PGA Tour rookie and understand why avoiding front pins can boost your greens in regulation. Explore the mindset shifts required when playing with better golfers to cultivate essential skills. Delve into the significance of mental resilience, enhancing your game through positive recall, and embracing change for long-term improvement. Plus, get insights on effective training routines and goal-setting for consistent success.