Wicked Smart Golf

Michael Leonard
undefined
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. 
undefined
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. 
undefined
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. 
undefined
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. 
undefined
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. 
undefined
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. 
undefined
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
undefined
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. 
undefined
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. 
undefined
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.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app