

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

May 7, 2024 • 24min
257: I Had the Putting Yips... Here's How I'm Bouncing Back
Let's talk about a scary topic - the yips! Putting is one of the five pillars of playing "wicked smart golf" and key to shooting lower scores. However, sometimes issues arise and that's what happened a few weeks ago. Luckily, with the help of a few coaches/guests on the show + hard work, I think (or hope) I'm trending in the right direction. I wanted to share this struggle for two reasons: Everyone had bad days, rounds, or slumps... no matter how good you get. You need to address the issue face-on to solve it quickly and not settle. The mind is powerful if you learn how to use it correctly. Listen to learn several strategies I've used to overcome the putting yips. Articles on the Left Rough: How to Overcome Putting Yips + How to Beat Chipping Yips 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%) 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")

May 3, 2024 • 5min
256: Do You Need a New Driver? Quick Clubfitting Tip
Do you need a new driver to add more distances? Learn from my recent driver club fitting to avoid a common mistake and the two most important clubs you need to get custom fit. Also, make sure to start speed training with Rypstick to hit it longer... FAST. Use code "WICKEDSMART" to get 10% off or click here to learn more now. Don't forget they have a 20-yard guarantee as well. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing") Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes

10 snips
May 2, 2024 • 59min
255: Colin McCarthy - Learn Your Golf Body Type to Swing Your Swing
Colin McCarthy is a PGA Teaching professional and creator of Golf Body Type. As mentioned on his website, "Golf Body Type is a specific screening process I've developed over the 21 years (14,000+ hours) as a golf coach, an ISSA certified personal trainer, and physics buff. Every single body on this planet is different, do you fully understand YOURS and how it should move safely with all clubs?" In this episode, you will learn: The biggest swing mistakes most amateurs make. The role of flexibility and mobility to avoid injuries + add power. Why your glove size, grips and body will impact your type of swing. Why you should learn to swing your swing and not copy other swings. What is Golf Body Type and how it can help you develop a wildly consistent swing. How Colin recovered from a scary snowboard incident and had to retrain his golf swing. And so much more. Make sure to follow Colin on Instagram for amazing trick shots and tons of golf swing tips. Learn more about Golf Body Type and working with Colin here. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro 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.

5 snips
Apr 30, 2024 • 42min
254: Dylan Stein - How Eagle iAlign Can Help You Putt Like a Pro
Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy today for the lowest investment ever! Dylan Stein is a professional golfer and creator of Eagle I Align - an awesome new putting training aid to help you putt like a pro. Here's the description from his website, "Eagle i Align is the first hovering golf alignment aid that provides 100% pure turf interaction while visually guiding all golfers towards their desired target. Trust your line, with Eagle i Align™." In this episode, you will learn: The power of guided meditation for better golf. About Dylan's incredible amateur career and turning pro. The process of developing a training aid from start to finish. His Q-school experiences and getting to the Mackenzie Tour. What it was like learning the mental game from Dr. Bob Rotella. How a routine can help you get in the zone and stay out of stress. Why everyone should play in tournaments and how to get comfortable in competition. Make sure to follow Eagle I Align on Instagram and buy yours today to improve your putting fast. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching 10X your confidence putting with the Look and Shoot Method. Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice Like a Pro. Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro. 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.

4 snips
Apr 26, 2024 • 5min
253: Use "Power Talk" During the Round for a Strong Mindset
Learn how "power talk" is the key to mastering your mindset. Start using your words powerfully so you have more strength and empowerment on the golf course. Learn more about power talk by reading In the Zone Secrets book and learn more on their website now. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon ("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.

25 snips
Apr 25, 2024 • 1h 16min
252: Bo Watson & Shannon Shuskey - How to Get in the Zone Fast
>>Don't forget to join Wicked Smart Golf Academy by 4/30 for the lowest price yet! Bo Watson and Shannon Shuskey are the co-authors of In the Zone Secrets - a new golf book that teaches unique principles to tap into your potential and upgrade your mental game. Bo is an accomplished player and operated the Watson School of Golf. But he quit in 2016 after losing his passion for the game and was spilling over into the results with his clients. In 2018 Bo met Shannon Shuskey - an Olympic speed skating coach - and learned a new mental technique that changed his game. This is when "In the Zone" mental training started and now they're on a mission to help others. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: How "power-talk" can transform your game. Why you need to train your mind off the course. How emotion is the secret to mental rehearsal & visualization. The difference between the inner coach vs. the inner critic. How pscyhoneuromusclar training is the secret hack to getting in the zone. And a lot more. Learn more about In the Zone Secrets book and learn more on their website now. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro 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.

Apr 23, 2024 • 19min
251: 5 Golf Myths That Lead to Higher Scores & Blowup Holes
>>Register for the FREE Mental Golf Training for today- Tuesday (4/23 at 4pm PST). Ready to lower your handicap, play more consistently and avoid blowup holes? Then you need to avoid these five common golf myths that are holding you back from playing your best. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: How to swing your swing. Why a low and slow tempo is HORRIBLE advice. That laying up is the wrong strategy a lot of times. How one shot shape leads to more fairways & greens. That driver is typically the best strategy instead of 3W. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES >>Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy. 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 my golf book on Amazon ("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.

Apr 19, 2024 • 5min
250: Why Nerves Make You Leave Putts Short (3 Fixes)
Learn why it's so important to deal with adrenaline so you don't leave putts short. I'll help you with three simple tips to make more putts. 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 ("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
Apr 18, 2024 • 1h
249: Justin Kraft - How to Develop Skills & Avoiding Bad Golf Advice
>>Register for the FREE Mental Golf Training next Tuesday (4/23 at 4pm PST). Justin Kraft (@kraftygolf on IG) has been coaching for over 5 years and has given over 5000 in-person & online lessons and work with golfers of all skill levels. He played in college, is the Director of Instructor at Spring Hill GC in MN, rated Best Golf Teacher by Golf Digest, and also TPI Certified. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: How he quit banking to go all in on golf. The right way to record your golf swing. The difference between skills vs. mechanics. His "worst" and best moments in his golf career. How Justin's Instagram helped me cure my shanks! Some of the worst golf advice that is holding you back from playing your best golf. Why you should avoid low and slow on the course but use when making swing changes. Why you should only hit one shot shape on the course but learn how hit all shots at the range. Make sure to follow Justin Kraft on Instagram and get 1:1 lessons via Skillest. Use iRange Sports Stick to record your swing (10% off using the code "wickedsmart"). WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES >>Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy. 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 my golf book on Amazon ("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.

5 snips
Apr 16, 2024 • 21min
248: 10 Masters Lessons/DECADE Recap to Help Jumpstart Your Season
Join DECADE Golf (20% off using the code WICKEDSMART). The Masters is done and we have a lot to learn! Today learn 10 lessons from the Masters + an extensive recap from Scott Fawcett's Decade 2-Part interview. Also, don't forget to listen to my episode on Mark Immelman's podcast, "On the Mark" to learn more about my golf story and playing consistent golf. In this episode, you will learn: Why you need to embrace challenging conditions. How a pre-shot putting routine can help you stop 3-putting. Why 2024 is the time to work on your short game a lot more often. Why it's so important to remember bad shots happen and how you can still play great golf How Decade Golf can help you make better decisions (enter code "Wickedsmart" to save 20% on your subscription). Wicked Smart Golf Resources in this Episode Learn from Decade to master course management. Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon ("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.


