

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

Nov 30, 2023 • 22min
195: 5 Lessons After Playing a Mini Tour Event
Golf is hard - but there is a lot you can learn even from your bad shots and tough rounds. After shooting 73-71 I missed the cut in a mini tour event but learned a lot and can't wait to practice. In this episode you'll learn my five biggest takeaways to help you make the most of the offseason and play your best golf. Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy by 12/1 to receive a FREE mental golf coaching call. Or, check out Tournament Golf Formula to learn how to get started in tournaments in 2024. 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.

Nov 28, 2023 • 21min
194: 10 Mind-Blowing Stats About Scratch Golfers
Do you have a goal to become a scratch golfer? If so, you'll LOVE this episode. Today, I'll share 10 mind-blowing stats about scratch golfers from Golf Monthly. They reviewed 540 million shots and 11.5 million rounds for this incredible data. You might think, how does knowing these stats help you shoot lower scores? Mainly because you'll learn to RESET expectations and help you play better golf. You will also learn: The easiest way to hit more fairways. How to overcome fear of greenside bunkers. Why you need to club up so you can hit more GIR's. The truth about how much doubles and how to avoid. Two reasons you're three putting too often (and how to fix it). Most importantly, you'll learn how to dial in your expectations to shoot lower scores and hopefully become a scratch golfer soon! WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy Now 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.

Nov 24, 2023 • 4min
193: Avoid This Winter Golf Mistake
Learn how moisture affects the golf ball and how to gameplan on wet, cold days. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy Now 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.

Nov 23, 2023 • 8min
192: 5 Reasons to be Wildly Grateful for Golf
Thank you! I am beyond grateful for YOU... for buying the book, listening to the podcast, and following on social media. Listen to this quick episode to be grateful for golf and have a great Thanksgiving holiday. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy Now 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.

Nov 21, 2023 • 31min
REPLAY: Look and Shoot Putting System Review - How I Dropped 4 Shots Putting
>>Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy Today's episode is all about PUTTING. If you're tired of 3-putting and letting your putter drag you down... you will love this episode! After getting some coaching from Cameron Strachan and using his "Look and Shoot Putting System" I dropped nearly 5 strokes on putting from 2021 to 2022. This revolutionary system lets you get "in the zone" on the greens and tap into the power of your subconscious mind. It's the most remarkable method I've learned in more than two decades playing golf. Listen to learn why it works so well and why it might be the secret to you playing better golf. WICKED SMART GOLF PRACTICE RESOURCES To learn more about Cameron's system, make sure to check out https://www.autogolfshop.com/wicked/ Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice 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.

Nov 17, 2023 • 4min
191: Why You SHOULD Remember Bad Shots Post Round
Controversial opinion - remember really bad shots. Listen to learn why you need to remember bad shots so you can process bad shots and clear your mind for future greatness. 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. 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.

Nov 16, 2023 • 1h 2min
190: Michael Leonard on Beating Hulk Rage, Golf Writing, & Q-School
Ready to play better and fall in love with the game even more? You'll love this episode where I was the guest on The Mental Golf Show hosted by Josh Nichols. Josh was a guest on the show (episode #168) and highly suggest you listen to that episode after this if you haven't as well. You'll learn: How I dropped 50 shots in high school. Breaking down what is the mental game. What it's like to go to Q-school and compete in high level events. Why you should play in golf tournaments to reach your potential. Life of a golf writer and publishing more than 3,000,000 words online. Connect with Josh on the links below: Host of The Mental Golf Show Twitter: @joshlukenichols Instagram: joshlukenichols Owner of Foundations Mental Performance 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.

Nov 15, 2023 • 11min
Wicked Smart Golf Academy & FREE Mental Coaching
ANNOUNCEMENT: Wicked Smart Golf Academy is LIVE* Are you ready to play more consistent golf? If you want to break 90, break 80, or even become a scratch golfer get excited. Today is the official launch of Wicked Smart Golf Academy. This online training program is designed to help you play better golf without swing changes. Consider this your key to consistently scoring well on the golf course. What's so cool about this program is that it draws on my own experience as a +2.8 tournament golfer. If you're ready to: Shoot lower scores. Reach your scoring potential. Discover how to stay focused during the round. Learn how to take your range game to the golf course. Stop 3-putting and having low confidence on the greens. Improve your mental game so you can enjoy rounds a lot more. And most of all, play more consistently, Wicked Smart Golf Academy is for you. Wicked Smart Golf Academy includes FIVE video training series (and more): Pre-Shot Like a Pro: Learn how finally develop a pre-shot routine for your full swing, short game, and putting. Score Like a Scratch Golfer: Learn how to think your way around the course to score more consistently. From tee Ultimate Golf Offseason: Discover how to make the most of your offseason with mental and physical strategies to show up in 2024 ready to go. Tournament Golf Formula: Learn everything you need to know about playing in competitive golf... from finding tournaments, practice rounds, yardage books, dealing with nerves, and more. Practice Like a Pro: Learn how to finally make the most of your practice time so you can improve in all areas of the game for 10X more confidence. Not to mention more programs coming soon. Plus, when you enroll before December 1st you will get a FREE 1:1 mental golf coaching to address any issues you're facing. This is worth more than the program itself but want to give you Learn more about Wicked Smart Golf Academy now. Join by December 1st to get a FREE 1:1 mental golf coaching call.

Nov 14, 2023 • 14min
189: Comparing SuperSpeed vs. The Stack Speed Training
Speed training is one of the best ways to improve your game in the offseason. Trackman found that for every 1 MPH you add to your clubhead speed equates to about three extra yards of distance. If you can add 5 MPH you'll hit it 15 yards (or so) longer, have shorter approach shots, and overall, make golf easier. Don't sleep on speed training! Today I'll compare two of the most common speed training programs - Superspeed Golf and The Stack System. I've used both and have found a ton of success with my driver speed about 110 mph on average. You'll learn more about both programs and which one is the best option to help you gain speed this offseason. Learn more about SuperSpeed Golf. Learn more about The Stack System. 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.

Nov 10, 2023 • 3min
188: Take a Digital Detox to Get in the Zone
Learn why you need to avoid your phone so you can access the zone, have more fun, and be a better playing partner. Make sure to listen to episode #177 to learn from Dr. Justice and GYRA 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.


