

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

23 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 45min
446: Eric Duffett - Use Shot Pattern To Pick Smart Targets & Make Better Decisions
In this lively discussion, Eric Duffett, the creator of the Shot Pattern app, shares his journey from building a meditation app to revolutionizing golf course management. He emphasizes understanding shot dispersion to choose smarter targets, highlighting how most amateurs underestimate their variances. Eric reveals how the app helps golfers make data-driven decisions, lowers their scores, and enhances on-course performance. Learn strategies to refine your targeting and think like a pro, while shedding emotional biases in club selection.

Nov 18, 2025 • 28min
445: The 5 Types of Wicked Smart Practice Every Golfer Needs
>>Get the Wicked Smart Practice Formula 72-Hour Sale! Most golfers think they're practicing… but they're really just exercising their bad habits. They hit the same shots, to the same targets, with no plan, no feedback, and no real improvement. Then they wonder why the results don't show up on the course. The truth is, practice is where consistency is built—or destroyed. If you don't have a system for how you practice, you'll never reach your potential. In this episode, I break down the five types of practice that separate average golfers from elite performers. This is the same framework I've used for over 20 years of competing and coaching, and it's one of the most valuable concepts in Wicked Smart Golf II. You'll learn: The difference between practice that builds skill and practice that wastes time Why the best players in the world rely on structured block practice How to add variety, pressure, and competition to simulate on-course conditions The role of your pre-shot routine and why it's the real key to transferring your range game to the course How to make meaningful progress—even without a launch monitor or simulator this winter Whether you're training for next season or just trying to make your practice time more effective, this episode will give you a clear blueprint to work smarter and see real results. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Practice Like a Pro With Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes. Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently). Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).

Nov 17, 2025 • 2min
Get the Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula (Early BFCM Deal)
>>Get the Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula now! Get instant access to 80+ structured practice plans for every skill area — full swing, wedges, short game, putting, and mental game. Stop wasting range time and finally practice with purpose. Use code "EARLY" to save on your investment. This deal expires on 11/20 so act now to never waste time again in practice.

46 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 2min
James Sieckmann - A Masterclass From the #1 Short Game Coach (Flashback Friday)
James Sieckmann, the #1 short-game coach and author, shares insights from his rich coaching career with PGA and LPGA Tour players. He reveals powerful lessons learned from golf legend Seve Ballesteros and emphasizes the importance of self-image in building confidence. Sieckmann offers practical tips for wedge play, discusses effective putting routines, and highlights the significance of visualizing shots. He also stresses tailored practice habits, including handling different lies and simulating course conditions, to enhance performance.

5 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 11min
444: Will Robins - The "Scoring Method" To Lower Your Handicap Fast
Will Robins, golf coach and founder of the Scoring Method, survivor-turned-instructor focused on course management. He recounts a life-changing tsunami and how it reshaped his coaching. He outlines practical scoring strategies, decision frameworks for smarter club choices, routines to stay calm under pressure, and bite-sized drills for wedges, chipping, bunkers, and putting.

Nov 11, 2025 • 50min
443: Michael Leonard - How To Train Your Mind to Thrive Under Pressure
>>2 spots left for mental golf coaching this month! Email michael@wickedsmartgolf.com to see if it's a good fit >>Dominate the offseason with RYPSTICK - 20% off with code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout Today, I'm sharing an episode where I was a guest with Paul Salter on his show, The Scratch Golfer's Mindset. Paul is a good friend and helping golfer with the mental side of the game to help overcome limiting beliefs and play to their potential. In this episode, you'll learn: The key differences between the mental game of golf and true mindset training How to identify and eliminate self-talk that sabotages your performance Why protecting your energy is a prerequisite for tournament success The growth mindset traits every serious golfer must develop How to use your "dark side" and competitive drive as fuel for improvement Strategies for thriving in high-pressure, tournament conditions The #1 mistake golfers make when transitioning into competitive play WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Practice Like a Pro With Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes. Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently). Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).

Nov 6, 2025 • 1h 18min
442: Mike Carroll - The Secrets to Strength, Mobility, & Smart Training
Mike Carroll, founder of Fit For Golf and a golf strength & conditioning expert, explains science-based training for golfers. He covers mobility habits to protect joints. He discusses strength, power, and muscle for speed. He explains structuring cardio, in-season tweaks, and practical workouts you can start today.

Nov 4, 2025 • 28min
441: 10 Mental Golf MISTAKES You Must Avoid for Lower Scores
They break down the top 10 mental mistakes that cost golfers strokes. Topics include pre-round preparation, course strategy, and sticking to routines. They cover emotional control, negative self-talk, body language, and how to reset after bad shots. Practical tips on focus, visualization, and avoiding score-focused thinking are highlighted.

35 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 58min
Dr. Joseph Parent: STOP 3-Putting with ZEN Putting (Flashback Friday)
Dr. Joseph Parent, author and mental-game coach behind Zen Golf, shares putting wisdom and mental shortcuts. He redefines what it means to “make” a putt and teaches quick routines to calm the mind. Hear practical green-reading strategies, pace drills, ways to beat the yips, and a simple post-shot reset to get back on track.

19 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 53min
440: James Berry - How to Train Your Mind Like a Pro
In this engaging discussion, James Berry, a former professional golfer and high-performance coach, shares insights from his unique journey in the sport. He emphasizes the importance of mental resilience, discipline, and pressure management for golfers at all levels. Listeners learn practical strategies for simulating pressure during practice, overcoming negative self-talk, and effectively managing expectations. James also highlights the significance of post-round reflection and the value of tailored off-season training for continuous improvement.


