

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 9, 2023 • 18min
187: 10 PROVEN Golf Offseason Tips (Pt 2 of 2)
In this episode we'll cover part 2 of 10 proven tips to help your game this offseason. Part one (186) was all about the mental game but today we'll focus more on equipment, fitness, and short game. When you listen to this episode you will learn: Hank Haney's 100 swing per day rule. The fastest way to drop shots this offseason (without leaving home). The easiest way to add 10-15 yards to your game this offseason. The two most important clubs in your bag and why they matter so much. And a lot more. Related Episode 101 - Camden Nierman Answers All Your Club Fitting Questions Breaking Ball Putting Mat Lag Shot Swing Trainer Grip Trainer How to Increase Swing Speed 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.

Nov 7, 2023 • 23min
186: 10 PROVEN Golf Offseason Tips (Pt 1 of 2) - Mental Edition
The golf offseason is here and it's time to make the most of your time by becoming wicked smart golf! Today is part 1 of 2 to make the most of your offseason so you can create a plan and get to work. In this mental golf episode you will learn: A way to customize your mental game. The only thing all great players have in common. How Decade Golf can help you automate your thinking for better decisions on the golf course. Why a brain dump is one of the BEST things you can do to gain mental clarity and assess your game. How a mindfulness practice can increase self-awareness to make better decisions on the golf course. Remember there is SO much you can do in the offseason that has nothing to do with swing changes. Listen to these tips so you can become wicked smart this offseason. 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 3, 2023 • 4min
185: STOP Thinking About Your Golf Swing So Much
Learn why you should STOP thinking about your golf swing so much and why a "perfect swing" doesn't exist. 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 2, 2023 • 14min
184: Q&A - How Should I Practice With a Golf Simulator?
How do you practice with a golf simulator? This is a great question to help you make the most of your offseason. The key to making the most of your time when hitting in the SIM by practicing with purpose. When you listen you'll learn: Why you MUST dial in your distances. Why I have three wedge distances for each club. How to speed train inside even if you don't have speed training software. The importance of creating a pre-shot routine in the offseason to mentally prepare for every shot. And a lot more. 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.

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.


