

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

Oct 31, 2023 • 14min
REPLAY - 5 Golf Course Management Mistakes to Avoid
Learn five of the biggest golf course management mistakes to avoid so you can play better every single round. Remember, your best golf is NOT all about a perfect swing, it's about thinking your way around the golf course. How to Start Playing Wicked Smart Golf Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching 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. Learn how to shoot lower scores every round (no swing changes): Score Like a Scratch Golfer. 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.

Oct 27, 2023 • 4min
183: Don't Make this Pre-Round Mental Game Mistake
Learn the mindset shift you need to have before the round to play your best golf (even if you hit it terribly on the driving range). 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.

Oct 26, 2023 • 33min
182: Mr. and Mrs. Golf Reveal the Couples Guide to Golf
Do you want to get your other half involved with the great game of golf... but have no clue where to start? If so, you'll love this episode with Mr. and Mrs. Golf (Everardo and Nicole). They're a local Scottsdale couple that created “Mr & Mrs Golf” with the idea of growing the couples golf community. Their mission is to give couples the confidence to get out on the course and grow their own relationship by enjoying the game of golf together. Make sure to check out their website for local events (like their upcoming putting clinic) and follow on Instagram. 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.

Oct 24, 2023 • 12min
181: How to Calm Down Hulk Rage on the Golf Course
Do you ever get so mad you're nearly seeing red on the golf course? Does it feel like you're the Hulk and not Bruce Banner? Don't worry I get it... I've been there more times than I care to remember. But a simple trick from neuroscientist Dr. Izzy Justice of GYRA Golf (episode #177) provides a great solution. Create a red card. This is an index card that can help you stop seeing red after a bad shot so you can calm down and have the right mindset for the shot. Paired with a yellow card highlight reel (episode #179) it's like a cheat code to 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.

Oct 20, 2023 • 4min
180: STOP Worrying About Speed: Here's Why...
Learn why you should stop worrying so much about speed on the greens and focus on this instead. This Dr. Bob Rotella tip will improve your putting fast! 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.

Oct 19, 2023 • 51min
REPLAY: Shaun Diackhoff - Speed Training, Golf Workouts, and Recovery
Shaun Diackhoff is back on Wicked Smart Golf (he was a guest on episode #77 as well) to share more fitness hacks to help you play better golf. Don't forget, taking care of your body is one of the most important parts of playing your best golf. A strong body will help you avoid injuries, increase distance, and hopefully chase the ball around for the rest of your life. In this episode we discuss: Is speed training safe? Should you speed train year round? How to recover from golf and workouts. What to eat during the round to stay energized. How your workouts should change depending on the season. And a lot more. Learn more about Fairway Performance App and his FREE distance guide here. For daily golf fitness tips, make sure to follow Shaun on Instagram. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching 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. Learn how to shoot lower scores every round (no swing changes): Score Like a Scratch Golfer. 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.

Oct 17, 2023 • 14min
179: Why You Need to Create a Yellow Card "Highlight Reel"
An index card can literally change your golf game forever. This tip from GYRA Golf has been an absolute game changer. It's known as a "yellow card" and a great way to stay calm under pressure. On a 3 x 5 notecard write down every club you have in your bag. Then, next to it, write down in detail the best and most recent shot you hit with that club. For example, a few of my "highlights" from this summer include: Driver - Hole 18 at Tuscon GC final day, water both sides, middle fairway. 3W - Hole 1 at Centennial GC, final day, 280 yard dead straight. Hybrid - Hole 17 at Aguilla - AZ Open qualifying. And so on with every club in the bag. Here's how it works... When you look at your index card before a certain shot you can tap into past visualization to build confidence. During the 18th hole of a tournament I was leading the event but felt the nerves of wanting to finish strong and hopefully win. On the tee box I looked at my yellow card, remembered a clutch 300+ yard bomb I hit a few weeks ago and went through my pre-shot routine. During my practice swings behind the ball I was imaging the shot from my card. Once I was over the ball I had a ton of confidence, stuck to my routine, and hit the best drive of the day. This clutch shot helped me go on to win the event and became a "yellow card" moment in itself. By having this index card (if you read the book you'll understand why it's called a yellow card) I was able to recall a great shot and use it for positive motivation. This is an EASY mental game trick that you can do too. Carry your card in your bag, pocket, or yardage book so you can always have a highlight reel of good shots. If you're nervous over a certain shot, look at your card, refer to the club you're about to hit, and imagine the past shot. This should help you have a ton of confidence and hopefully hit a great shot. Trick your mind to playing 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.

Oct 13, 2023 • 4min
178: Change Your Stress Levels, Not Your Swing
Learn why stress - not your golf swing - is the real reason you aren't shooting lower scores. 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.

Oct 12, 2023 • 1h 3min
177: Dr. Izzy Justice - Learn GYRA Golf to Hack Your Mental Game
GRYA Golf will change your game forever. I'd argue it's one of the best golf books ever and I've read hundreds! I've seen first hand how it can help your mental game and had some of my best tournament rounds ever once applying these principles. The author is Dr. Izzy Justice and I'm lucky to talk with today on the show. As noted on his website, "Dr. Izzy Justice is a sports neuroscientist and inventor of the ground-breaking technology The Brain Trackman™ who has authored 8 books over the course of 30 years on the topic of Emotional Intelligence." He's also trained and certified more than 300 coaches in EQ in golf, basketball, football, triathlons, and more. Speaking of triathlons he's done more than 40 including 8 half iron mans and 5 full iron mans. In our interview we cover: Why golf is 93% mental The five doors to the brain How to bounce back after bad shots. How a yellow card can get you out of stress quickly Why you should treat a round of golf like a “spa day” (this was an a-ha moment) Make sure to buy GYRA Golf on Amazon now (it's one of the BEST investments you can make in your golf game). Connect with Dr. Justice on Twitter/X, Instagram and his website for more tips. 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

Oct 10, 2023 • 22min
176: Unlock Your Potential - Six Lessons from a 68
Shooting your best scores is easier than you might think. After a little golf hiatus I recently teed it up and put up a great score - despite not touching a club. In this episode I'll recap some lessons that you can add to your game - whether you're shooting in the 90s or 70s. Shooting lower scores is more mental and course management skills than you might realize. When you listen to this episode you'll learn: How to focus on the last few holes. Why the first tee shot doesn't matter. How to bounce back quickly after a bad shot. An easy short game tip that will save you strokes every round. 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.