

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

Aug 22, 2023 • 21min
156: USGA Mid-Am Recap - I Found the Zone
Let me share my experiences in another USGA Mid-Am qualifier to learn how you can play your best under pressure. When you listen you'll learn: The 3 types of tournaments. My leaderboard lurking strategy. What to do after a bad first tee shot. How to stay calm and get in the zone. Why you should enter competitive events (even if you're a beginner). Plus, a new mental golf book that is changing the game called Gyra Golf (I binge read it in a day)... so good! 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.

Aug 18, 2023 • 4min
155: How to Trick Your Mind Into Hitting Better Golf Shots
Learn how to trick your mind into executing better golf shots with visualization. This proven technique can help you play with more confidence and give your mind a clear blueprint for each shot you want to hit. 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.

Aug 17, 2023 • 1h 2min
REPLAY: John Weir - Use Your Mind to Unlock Your True Golf Potential
Golf is a game played between your ears more than you realize. But if you're like most golfers you might overwhelmed with all the mental golf advice out there. So I brought back John Weir, the creator of Mental Golf Type, to help you understand how to use your mind to shoot lower scores. John has a unique understanding of the mind as a professional caddy, author, hypnotist, and peak performance specialist. He's helped my game tremendously and his first appearance on the show (episode #62) is a true master class on understanding your mental golf type. Today we're going to dive even deeper to help you understand how to calm the mind, stay out of stress, and tap into your true potential on the golf course. When you listen to this episode you'll learn: How stress impacts your ability to get in the zone. Why most sports psychology advice doesn't work. How your mind plays a big role in the short game. Why peak performance is NOT a one size fits all approach. The #1 question to ask yourself on every putt to 10X your confidence. Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Don't forget to use the code WICKEDSMART for 25% off on all Mental Golf Type products. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE). 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 15, 2023 • 16min
154: How to Commit to Every Shot (Proven 3-Step Process)
How many times have you stood over a shot and thought, "What am I doing?... is this is the right club? What's my target?" To have the most confidence over every shot or putt you need to commit to the shot... but that's easier said than done for a lot of golfers. Today I'll take you through an easy process to make better decisions on the golf course so you stand over every shot with 10X more confidence. 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.

Aug 11, 2023 • 3min
153: The Easiest Way to Get Rid of Tension Before You Swing
Learn how a waggle can help you get rid of tension and act as a trigger to 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.

Aug 10, 2023 • 13min
152: Q&A - How Do I Actually Get Better at Putting?
Do you hate putting? Do you feel like your flatstick is holding you back from playing your best golf? If so, just know you're not alone. The #1 thing I hear from listeners and subscribers is putting issues. Despite being such a small swing, it still plagues so many golfers. And I've been there myself... so today I want to answer this question and provide 3 PROVEN tips to improve your putting... FAST. When you listen to this episode and apply these principles, you'll be putting out of your mind in no-time. 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.

Aug 8, 2023 • 21min
151: WITB 2023 Update - Why I Replaced 13/14 Clubs
️Check out this "what's in the bag" (WITB) of a +2 handicap. Plus, learn the 5 questions you MUST ask to make sure your equipment is helping, not hurting your golf game. One of the MOST important parts of the game is playing the right equipment. Otherwise, you're just making a hard game even more complicated. When you listen to this episode you'll learn: The importance of shaft weight and flex. Why you need to have the right driver shaft. How a set of combo irons can transform your long game. More about clubfitting and see if it's right for your skill level. 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.

Aug 4, 2023 • 4min
150: Stop Talking Trash to Yourself
Learn the biggest mistake I see most golfers (especially young golfers make) and why it's holding you back from playing your best golf. 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.

Aug 3, 2023 • 18min
149: Torrey Pines South Course Recap - 5 Scoring Lessons
Let's continue on day 2 of the San Diego City Championship with this recap of the South Course at Torrey Pines. This was a true roller coaster ride that included a 66-yard hole out eagle, 3 birdies, some pars, too many bogeys, and a few doubles for an eventful 78. While the score wasn't what I wanted it was a fun day on one of the toughest tests of golf. Learn 5 scoring strategies to take your game to the next level (and check out episode 148 for the North Course recap too). 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.

Aug 1, 2023 • 18min
148: Torrey Pines North Course Recap - 5 Scoring Lessons
A few weeks ago I was in San Diego at the magical Torrey Pines for the SD City Championship. The 2-day tournament is hosted at Torrey Pines North and South Course. I learned A LOT and wanted to share some of the biggest scoring takeaways with you and some mental golf tips to take your game to the next level. Today we'll recap day 1 at the North Course where I shot an even par 72. 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.