Wicked Smart Golf

Today's guest episode is... me (aka Michael Leonard) - the host of Wicked Smart Golf. I'm sharing an episode where I was a guest on T-Time with Tori. She is a fellow AZ golfer + podcaster and we covered what I did NOT do to become a scratch golfer. In this episode you will learn Why the right mindset is so important. Common misconceptions of scratch golf. Why scratch golf is like getting 6-pack abs. Tangible strategies to become a top 5% golfer.  The difference between a scratch golfer and a "true scratch" golfer.  And a lot more.  Also, make sure to listen to my full interview with Tori Totlis form last year (episode #141). And make sure to check out her podcast, T-Time with Tori.  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. 

A pre-shot routine is one of the few constants in golf that all good players (pros & ams) have in common and something that you can control. It's also something you can and should develop in the offseason.  Here's why... A pre-shot routine will also help you: Stay calm and focused Improve your pace of play Block out negative thoughts  Find your target and commit to a shot Take your range game to the golf course  But most importantly, it will help you get into the zone. When your pre-shot routine becomes automatic, you can easily get in the zone and let your subconscious take over. This is where greatness comes and it’s almost an out-of-body experience.  To get these benefits on the golf course, you need to first create your routine on the range. In this episode we'll cover: Why you need a waggle How bad routines lead to meltdowns The importance of breath in your golf swing  Why you need to analyze the lie before picking a club The correct amount of time to spend over the golf ball Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round by grabbing the free Pre-Shot Routine Checklist. Or, if you want access to 30+ videos for an in-depth training on routine, join Pre-Shot Like a Pro 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 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. 

Learn the easiest golf tip ever to help you save shots around the green (and make sure you never lose a wedge). 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. 

Abe Candelaria is back talking all things offseason, tournament golf, and how to thrive under pressure. Make sure to listen to episode #59 with Abe to learn more about his inspiring golf story.  When you listen to this interview, you will learn:  A +3 player's offseason routine. Why you should track statistics each year.  How enjoying the journey makes it all worth it.  The missing piece to playing well in tournaments.  How tournaments can help you speed up success. Why wedges and short game are vital to scoring your best.  Why you should start playing in tournaments before you're "ready." And a lot more.  If you're ready to get into tournaments, make sure to check out the Tournament Golf Formula.  WICKED SMART GOLF TOURNAMENT RESOURCES 10X your confidence on the greens with the Look and Shoot Method.  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”)

Last week's interview with Dr. Joseph Parent of Zen Golf was too good not to recap. Today, I'll share my perspective after interviewing one of the top mental golf coaches so you can improve your mindset (on and off the course). When you listen to this interview you will learn: The right ways to visualize golf shots. How a post shot routine can eliminate blow up holes. Why you need an "empty cup" when learning new skills.  How "anyway" shots are killing your chances of playing wicked smart.  And a lot more!  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.

The first tee jitters are part of golf - quit being ashamed of them. As Raymond Floyd said, “If you get first-tee jitters, the first thing you should know is that they’re nothing to be ashamed of. I still get them before every tournament round.” Tiger said something similar and mentioned if you don’t get them at all, you shouldn’t be out there! The most important thing to remember is that you need to stick to a good routine so you don’t worry about anyone watching… instead thinking only of target. Embrace the "jitters" by reframing them as nerves to play your best golf. 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. 

Dr. Joseph Parent - the author of Zen Golf (one of the best-selling golf books of all time, more than 1M copies sold) is the latest guest on the show. This is a game changer interview that will teach you how your mind can help you on and off the golf course. When you listen to this full interview with Dr. Parent, you will learn: The PAR approach behind Zen Golf. Why you need to stop "anyway" shots.  How to visualize based on your learning style.  How to plan with your head and play with your heart.  Why you need a pre and post shot routine for every shot.  How he started working with PGA and LPGA professionals like Vijay Singh.  Why you need an empty cup mentality to start improving your mental game. And so much more. It's easy to see why Zen Golf made my list of one of the best mental golf books and one I suggest to all my coaching clients.  If you haven't yet, make sure to buy Zen Golf and Zen Putting today. And if you want to learn more about working with Dr. Parent, check out his 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. 

Learn some of my biggest tips after attending the PGA Show in Florida last week. When you listen you'll learn:  Why you need a custom fitting. How often you should use training aids. The #1 practice aid to help record your game.  Why you need to start speed training this year. My favorite app to help you hit it longer and have better tempo.  Read my full PGA Show recap to learn more about the PGA Show. If you have more questions about my favorite training aids  Don't forget to grab my Golf Goals checklist as well.  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. 

Learn why you should quit caring about what clubs you play to get the most out of your game.  Don't forget, even sponsored professionals don't always have 14 club contracts. The point? Play the clubs that are right for you. That means playing the right brands - which is a mixed set. You don't need to play all Titleist, Ping, Callaway, etc... play the clubs that are right for you!  Plus, play the right type of clubs - whether it's graphite shafts, adding a new hybrid, a draw-bias driver, or something else.  WICKED SMART GOLF PRACTICE RESOURCES 10X your confidence on the greens with the Look and Shoot Method.  Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice Like a Pro.  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.  Dominate your practice and fitness with the Under Par Golf App.  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. 

Do you want to play in golf tournaments, but not sure if you're ready for a solo event yet? If so, 2-man events are a great way to get your feet wet and experience tournament golf. In the past four years I've played in tons of 2-man events including scrambles, best balls, beast balls (a great format), alternate shot, and total scores. Most of these were with my good friend Jacob Letman.  In this episode, you will learn: The crazy effective 6-6-6 rule. Why attitude is everything in team events. How 2-man competitions can 10X your confidence.  The formula for "box breathing" to stay calm under pressure.  Why a pre-shot routine is the one thing all good players have in common.  Why you need to sometimes "veto" your partner and how to work together as a team.  And a lot more!  Make sure to follow Jacob on Instagram for more epic golf tips.  And don't forget to check out the Tournament Golf Formula if you're ready to get started in competition. In this video training program, I'll walk you through the step-by-step process to finding events, preparing, and performing under pressure.  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 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.