

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

Sep 14, 2023 • 9min
165: Q&A: What's the Best Way to Pick Targets?
Picking targets is one of the most underrated parts of a good routine and course management. Most golfers think "aim small, miss small" is the only approach but there's a LOT more to it. In fact, aim small miss small might actually get you stressed out and lead to bad shots. Some golfers need to focus on target zones, instead of small targets. In this episode I'll cover the two most common ways to pick targets, how to learn which type is right for you, and how they factor in to a great pre-shot routine. 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.

Sep 12, 2023 • 18min
164: 7 Lessons from Shooting My Lowest Round in 2023
Every round of golf can teach you a ton about your game - both good and bad rounds. A few weeks ago I had my best round of the year (68) and went on win the tournament after a 71 on day two. Listen to learn 7 lessons to play your best golf - regardless of handicap - to reach your potential. Mental Resources 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.

Sep 8, 2023 • 4min
163: Tee It Forward to Go Low (Bryson's Scoring Trick)
Learn why you need to tee it forward in practice to go low and 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.

Sep 7, 2023 • 28min
162: Recapping My First Amateur WIN: -5 in 36 Holes
You don't get to win a lot in golf so this episode was fun to recap my first amateur victory for a multiple day event. I've had a few one day wins over the past few years but this one was special. I'll take you through the highs and lows of the round with some mental game strategies to take your game to the next level. Hopefully it'll give you inspiration to play your best golf and keep pushing to reach your goals. 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.

Sep 5, 2023 • 15min
REPLAY: 5 Pre-Shot Routine Mistakes That Cost You 5+ Strokes
Your pre-shot routine (or lack thereof) is costing you strokes every single round. A good routine is your bridge from the range to the course. As Dr. Bob Rotella said, "Your routine is your wingman on the golf course." To play your best you need a routine... but you need to time it right with the correct rituals to make it effective. In this episode you'll learn: The timing of a great routine. How a good routine primes your mind. Why most golfers can't visualize their ideal shot. Why you should never take a specific amount of practice swings. And a lot more. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching 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. 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.

Sep 1, 2023 • 4min
161: Anticipate Bad Things Happening to Play Better
Learn why you should anticipate some bad things to happen during the round so you can manage expectations and master your mental game for 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.

Aug 31, 2023 • 1h 2min
160: Learning From Bad Rounds & Falling in Love With the Game
Today I'm sharing an episode where I was a guest on T-Time with Tori Totlis. She was a previous guest on this show and shared tons of advice to thrive in tournament golf. Tara and Tori sit down with me to discuss my journey from novice golfer to competitor in US Open qualifiers, college golf and how I rekindled his love for the sport. During our conversation, we shared stories about unforgettable golf vacations, like my family trip to Pebble Beach where I practiced three times a day and managed to shoot an impressive 79 at Pebble and 73 at Spyglass. We also delved into the impact of the new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules on college athletes and offered advice for younger players looking to pursue a career in college golf. Plus, talk about overcoming fear and learning from bad rounds. Fear is a hurdle all golfers have to overcome more than once in their career. Through the example of one of the worst rounds Michael has ever played, we explored how to navigate the emotional roller coaster that comes along with playing competitively. We discussed the importance of a solid pre-shot routine, positive self-talk, and remaining present on the course to improve our mental game. Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women’s Golf] Get in touch! Tara Bateman: Instagram Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women’s Golf] Get in touch! Instagram: @tori_totlis TikTok: @tori_totlis YouTube: @tori.totlis Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com

Aug 29, 2023 • 21min
159: How GYRA Golf Can Transform Your Mental Game
GYRA Golf is one of my new favorite golf books ever. If you're ready to take your mental game to the next level Dr. Izzy Justice and GYRA Golf is just what you need. I binge read this book in about a day and implemented the tactics immediately. It resulted in one of the best mental game's I've ever had in a tournament and a quality round of golf in 110 degrees. In this episode I'll recap some of the book and share a few tips to help you get your mental game under control including: Why the mental game is 93% of golf. What it takes to get in the zone (and stay there). How to identify your emotional state after each hole. The ACT breathing technique to calm down and relax. Make sure to read GYRA Golf is you're ready to understand how the mind to unlock your best golf 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.

Aug 25, 2023 • 4min
158: Use Your 5 Senses to Get in the Zone
Learn how your five senses are the keys to your subconscious and getting in the zone to play your best golf. Make sure to read GYRA Golf is you're ready to understand how the mind to unlock your best golf 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.

Aug 24, 2023 • 13min
157: Q&A - What is Your Best Piece of Golf Advice?
A recent listener asked, "What is your best piece of golf advice?" Which is a great question because there is a LOT to learn about this great game. Since I couldn't pick one piece in this episode I cover five pieces - one for each pillar of playing "wicked smart golf." The five pillars to play better without swing changes include: Mental Game Mastery Practicing Like a Pro Peaceful Putting Becoming a Wedge Wizard Playing Wicked Smart Golf Use these five tips to take your game to the next level! Take this quick survey to get entered into a 1:1 FREE mental coaching call with me. Mental Resources 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.