

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

Mar 15, 2024 • 3min
236: 2 Essential Tips for a Wicked Smart Warm Up
Learn the two most important things to do as part of your pre-round warm up to play wicked smart golf once you're on the course. 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.

12 snips
Mar 14, 2024 • 54min
REPLAY: Mike Booker Reveals His Secrets to Tournament Golf
Learn more about the Tournament Golf Formula today. Tournament golf is NOTHING like a normal round of golf with your friends. The journey from an amateur player to a skilled tournament golfer is often paved with challenges, dedication, and strategic insights. If you want to compete at the highest level, Mike Booker's book, "The Tournament Golfer's Playbook," has emerged as a guiding light. After reading it I instantly reached out to get Mike on the podcast. Despite being a golf writer and playing in hundreds of days of tournaments myself I learned so much from his book. For those of you that don't know, Mike Booker is a revered name in the golf community, known for his remarkable achievements as a tournament golfer. 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. " With years of experience and a passion for the game, he has not only found success but also love sharing his knowledge with others. As a player who has triumphed over numerous challenges and competed in prestigious tournaments, his insights carry immense weight and credibility. His book, "The Tournament Golfer's Playbook" serves as a comprehensive guide for golfers aiming to excel in tournament play. From novices seeking to break into the competitive circuit to seasoned players looking to enhance their performance, this playbook caters to all skill levels. Within the pages of "The Tournament Golfer's Playbook," you will learn so much to help play better under pressure. You will learn: The two types of tournament golfers A powerful on course breathing technique Why a pre-shot routine can help you get in the zone The shocking reason you should NEVER try to "make" putts And so much more. "The Tournament Golfer's Playbook" by Mike Booker is an essential resource for anyone aspiring to become a successful tournament golfer. Think of it as a guide that unlocks the secrets of tournament golf. By delving into the pages of this invaluable book, any type of golfer can learn how to perform under pressure. Grab a copy of his book now on Amazon. Learn more about the Tournament Golf Formula today.

Mar 12, 2024 • 21min
235: Lou Stagner Recap (5 Lessons) + Giveaway Winners
Today I'm recapping the epic interview with Lou Stagner from last week to make sure you don't miss any of these amazing lessons. Some of the biggest takeaways from the interview included: Why stat tracking is the most important thing all serious golfers can do. The one traditional stat that can help evaluate your play. The mindset for putting both short and long putts. And more. Plus, I'll announce the winners to the 2-year Wicked Smart Golf giveaway too. Resources mentioned in the episode: Pre-Shot Like a Pro Wicked Smart Golf Academy Mental Golf Coaching with Michael 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.

Mar 8, 2024 • 4min
234: 2 Easy Tips for Lower Scores in 2024
Learn two easy ways to make the most of your 2024 season. Let's make this your best year yet! Start by tracking your stats - Arccos Golf makes it easy to measure each area of your game. And spend more time working on your weaknesses that you can easily identify from regular stat tracking. 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.

Mar 7, 2024 • 55min
233: Lou Stagner - Use Strokes Gained Data to Play Wicked Smart
Lou Stagner aka the "Golf Stat Pro" is a performance coach, podcast host, and data analyst that can help you make better decisions on the course. He has more than 150,000 followers on Twitter and one of the best guys to follow to learn how stats can transform your game. I've been following him for years and was excited about this interview because tracking your stats can make a huge impact in your game. Stat tracking is something I discussed in-depth in my book and something I suggest for all my mental golf coaching students. In this episode, you will learn: The power of expectations. Why every serious golfer needs to track stats. How driving distance can lead to a lower handicap. How stats provide objective data about your weaknesses. The logic behind aiming at the flag vs. middle of the green. How to save shots on and around the green to lower your scoring average. Why strokes gained is the best metric to measure your game (and what to track if you don't have a stat tracking program). Lastly, sign up for Lou's FREE newsletter for incredible insights to learn more stats to create the right expectations and play better this year. Make sure to follow Lou Stagner on Twitter/X or on Instagram. Also, make sure to buy Arccos Golf to start tracking your game. 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.

Mar 5, 2024 • 12min
232: Tour Tempo Recap - 3 Easy Ways to Use the App
Reminder: today is the last day to enter the 2-year Wicked Smart Golf survey (only 5 questions) to get entered into FREE mental golf coaching opportunities. Tour Tempo is the best $25 you can spend on your full swing. After interviewing the creator, Tour Tempo - John Novosel Jr - last week, I wanted to do a recap to learn how tempo can help your game FAST. In this episode, you will learn: Why you need a faster backswing. How I've been using Tour Tempo to swing 114 mph. How the Tour Tempo app can transform your game immediately. Why you need two tempos - one for your long game and one for your short game. And a lot more. Download the app, practice with it regularly, and start hitting it longer (and better) than ever in 2024. Plus, make sure to listen to the full interview with John from last week (ep #230). WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Pre-Shot Routine Checklist (100% FREE) 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.

Mar 1, 2024 • 5min
231: The Easiest Way to Start Swinging Faster This Weekend
Learn the easiest way to change your game this weekend so you can hit it longer and have more fun in 2024. Also, make sure to fill out this short five question survey to get entered into the Wicked Smart Golf 2-year giveaway for FREE mental golf coaching. I know it sounds too good to be true but I know first hand that the Tour Tempo app can transform your game FAST. Even if you can't make it to the range or simulator, download the app to speed up your tempo and hit it longer than ever. 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.

Feb 29, 2024 • 48min
230: John Novosel Jr. - How a "Tour Tempo" Can Transform Your Game
Before the interview, make sure to fill out this short five question survey to get entered into the 2-year Wicked Smart Golf giveaway. John Novosel Jr. is today’s guest and one of my favorite interviews as we cover all things tempo. He’s the co-creator of Tour Tempo, author of Tour Tempo Force, and has given thousands of lessons to players of all skill levels - from beginners all the way to major champions. Not to mention, he’s a great player himself and has competed in long drive championships, including his longest drive of 402 yards (with 130mph clubhead speed). If you haven’t read my book, Wicked Smart Golf yet, I talk abut tempo for a whole chapter and reference the importance of developing a “Tour Tempo.” Why? Because it can transform your swing with one bucket of balls. The Tour Tempo app is one of the best golf apps and without question the best $25 investment you can make in your swing. When you listen to this interview, you will learn: What is the “perfect tempo.” Why most golfer swing the club too slow. The secret timing of 97 of the last 100 major winners. How a faster tempo can create a smoother transition. How short game tempo differs from long game tempo. John’s impressive long drive history where he bombed on more than 400 yards. More about the Tour Tempo app and how you can use it for all parts of your game. And a lot more. If you haven’t yet, download the Tour Tempo app to instantly improve your timing and hit it longer than you thought possible (without any mechanical swing changes). 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.

Feb 27, 2024 • 18min
229: I Played TPC Scottsdale Stadium From The Tips + Giveaway
Last week, I got to play TPC Scottsdale Stadium course... with the stadium in full effect. In today's episode, learn five lessons from playing from the PGA Tour tees that can help you play better in competition or playing a bucket list course. Also, this week marks two years since the first episode of Wicked Smart Golf podcast... which means I'm doing a giveaway. Simply fill out this short five question survey and you'll be entered to win: One mental golf coaching call ($175 value) to master your mental game. Two memberships to Wicked Smart Golf Academy ($97) to help lower your handicap. Three memberships to Pre-Shot Like a Pro ($27 value) to help you play more consistently. Make sure to complete the survey by March 6th for a chance to win. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Pre-Shot Routine Checklist (100% FREE) 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.

Feb 23, 2024 • 5min
228: Don't Forget - Bad Shots Are Part of Golf
No matter how good you get bad shots happen. Learn to manage your expectations and bounce back quickly so you can play better and avoid blowup holes. 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.