

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

Jul 14, 2023 • 4min
142: Embrace the Suck to Shoot Lower Scores
Learn how to "embrace the suck" during a round of golf to upgrade your mental game and play better than ever. 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.

Jul 13, 2023 • 46min
141: Tori Totlis - How to Thrive in Tournament Golf
If you haven't signed up for a golf tournament yet, I know this interview with Tori Totlis will inspire you to do so. Tori is a fellow amateur golfer in Arizona who was the AGA 2022 Player of the Year! She's also the host of T-Time with Tori and founder of Complete Confidence Golf. In our episode today we talk about: Her inspiring golf journey. Why you need a practice plan. How to overcome "tournament trauma." How she's helping grow the game for women. The mindset needed to thrive in competitive events. And a lot more. To learn more about Tori make sure to listen to her podcast - T-Time with Tori. And follow her on Instagram or TikTok. 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.

Jul 11, 2023 • 15min
140: 5 Mental Hacks to Become an Elite Golfer
Ready to play better under pressure and become a tournament golfer? I got you covered today as I'll break down one of the best golf books I've read - The Tournament Golfer's Playbook by Mike Booker. In episode 125 I got to interview Mike on the show and wanted to share more from his book. When you listen you'll learn: How to stay present and play your best. How to stay positive in tough situations. Why you should stop trying to make putts. The importance of a pre-shot routine in golf. Why you need to take responsibility of your game. Make sure to read The Tournament Golfer's Playbook soon as it'll help your mental game a ton! 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.

Jul 7, 2023 • 5min
139: Stop Making This Pre-Round Mistake
Stop making this pre-round mistake so you can play better every single round! 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.

Jul 6, 2023 • 51min
138: 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.

Jul 4, 2023 • 16min
REPLAY: 2 Ways to Increase Swing Speed FAST
Speed is KING in golf. Don't get me wrong, short game (specifically putting) is imperative to great golf but you need distance too. For every extra MPH of swing speed you create with a driver equals 3 more yards of total distance. If you add 5-10 MPH to your driver swing in the offseason that 15 to 30 yards more distance. How much easier would every par 4 or 5 be if you were that much closer to the green? A longer drive means shorter approach shots and typically lower scores. Plus, who doesn't like to hit bombs! While working out can help your speed, I think speed training is much easier for the everyday golfer. In this episode, I'll take you through my off season speed training routine and the best ways for you to get started. Recommended: SuperSpeed Golf Sports Sensors Radar Voice Caddie SC 300 Launch Monitor The Stack System (recommended for more advanced golfers) 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.

Jun 30, 2023 • 4min
137: An Easy Trick to Drop Bad Golf Habits
Use this easy mental hack to shoot lower scores every round and drop bad habits fast. 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.

Jun 29, 2023 • 50min
136: Paddy Shea - 30 Years as a "Golfpreneur"
Use the code WICKEDSMARTGOLF for 25% off on Upside Golf products. Paddy Shea is a golf industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience. He's the CEO/Founder of Upside Golf, previous develop for Zepp Labs, worked with top PGA coaches, and founded GoZone games. And a lot more in the past three decades - which we cover in this episode. When you listen you'll learn how Paddy: Got his start in the golf world. About his 30 years in the golf industry. What it's like developing best-selling golf products. Started the Special Olympics in California in 1996. And of course, some tips to play wicked smart golf. Use the code WICKEDSMARTGOLF for 25% off on Upside Golf products. Listen to the full interview now. 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.

Jun 26, 2023 • 14min
135: 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. 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.

Jun 23, 2023 • 4min
134: Quit Making This Pre-Shot Mistake
Learn the biggest mistake that most golfers make during their pre-shot routine to play better golf without swing changes. 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.


