Wicked Smart Golf

Michael Leonard
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Jun 22, 2023 • 10min

133: Q&A: When Should I Play in Tournaments?

Learn when is the "right time" to start playing in golf tournaments so you can take your game to the next level. 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.
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Jun 20, 2023 • 16min

132: 5 Ways to Play Like the Pros (US Open Recap)

Congrats to Wyndham Clark on an epic US Open victory. While I thought the golf course had a lot of room to improve, there's a ton you can learn from the best players in the world. Use these seven lessons to play better golf without swing changes. 2023 Us Open Recap - 7 Lessons to Play Better Fast 1. Reset Expectations The PGA Tour is a lie - here's what I mean. Rory hit several drives over 388 yards. Don't get me wrong, he's long but not that long! Those fairways were too wide and rock hard, very different from an everyday golf course. Needless to say, stop thinking what you see on TV is their averages... it's not! I spend an entire chapter in my book helping you reset expectations. 2. Stick with the Process Rickie Fowler didn't even play in the 2022 Us Open but was in the final group this year. How? By sticking with the process, staying positive, and trusting his game would return. 3. Use More Loft in Fairway Bunkers Xander made a crucial error on the third day on hole one - taking three shots to get out the fairway bunker! Remember to always take plenty of loft to escape in one shot. 4. Play the Right Equipment I can't tell you how many driving irons, 7-woods, and other high lofted woods were spotted during the tournament. The point? Play easier to hit clubs like hybrids, driving irons, and fairway woods instead of hard to hit long irons. 5. Add More Break on Long Putts Add more break to long putts so they don't miss low and keep running away from the hole. Plus, this will likely help speed control too. 6. Take Your Medicine When you're in a bad spot on the golf course, take your medicine! 7. Try Out an Arm Lock Putter Finally, maybe try out an arm lock putter like Rickie and Wyndham used! Learn How to Play 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.
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Jun 18, 2023 • 7min

2023 US OPEN Rant - WTF is Happening?

I LOVE the US Open but this tournament has felt like a major let down for fans - both at the event and on TV. 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.
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Jun 16, 2023 • 4min

131: Stop Trying to Steer Your Driver - Do This Instead

Stop steering your driver and use this 5-minute Friday episode to hit more fairways. 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.
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Jun 15, 2023 • 16min

130: Q&A - How Do I Bounce Back after a Bad Hole?

Bad shots (and bad holes) suck... but they're part of golf. Do you let a bad hole or stretch of holes define you? Or, do you fight through it and salvage the round? After a horrific front 9 in my latest tournament, I bounced back with eight shots better on the back nine. How? By using these seven strategies which we'll cover in the podcast: 1. Stay present and don't let your mind wander 2. Commit 100% effort on the next shot (including your pre-shot routine). All it takes is one good swing to get your round headed in the right direction 3. Play safer than normal - don't try "get one back" on the next hole as it often compounds your mistakes 4. Watch your self-talk so you don't make things any harder on yourself (but don't be afraid to laugh it off either) 5. Adopt an optimistic attitude 6. Accept the challenge - it's not how you start, it's how you finish 7. Forget about your ego and worrying about what others will think Finally, make sure you keep breathing too! Don't send your mind into fight or flight mode and panic from not breathing like normal when you're stressed out on 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.
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Jun 13, 2023 • 13min

129: 7 Wicked Smart Father's Day Golf Gift Ideas

Not all golf gifts are created equal! Show your dad some love this Father's Day by getting him an epic golf gift. After being a golf writer for 5+ years and trying out tons of gadgets, training aids, and accessories I wanted to give you my top picks. These seven gifts are all available on Amazon and sure to help him play "wicked smart golf." ' 1) Golf Forever Swing Trainer If you watched "Full Swing" on Netflix, chances are you saw the PGA players using this device. It's a great swing trainer + golf workout to help keep your dad stay healthy and playing golf for a long time. Grab it on Amazon. 2) Voice Caddie SC300i Launch Monitor I've tested tons of launch monitors but this is my favorite by far. It's a great price, provides tons of data, and has on screen display. Not to mention, it's easy to use (and works with or without an app too). Great gift if your dad loves to practice. Grab it on Amazon. 3) The Tournament Golfer's Playbook After interviewing the author of my podcast a few weeks ago, I can say this is one of my favorite golf books ever. If your dad loves competition (or wants to play better under pressure) this book will help. Get it on Amazon 4) Bushnell GPS Help dad navigate the golf course with a low-priced, easy to use golf GPS. It's so small you can keep in your pocket and provides front/middle/back distances. Get it on Amazon. 5) Pro Path Golf Putting Mirror This is my FAVORITE putting training aid that I use regularly. After testing out different ones this is by far the best as it helps with shoulder & eye alignment. Plus, it helps improve path too and is extremely well-made. Get it on Amazon. 6) Super Speed Golf Help your dad gain distance and hit bombs by getting him some speed training sticks. All it takes is 15–20 minutes a week, 3-4X using the protocols to start hitting it longer than ever. They have senior versions too. Get it on Amazon. 7) Wicked Smart Golf Book Lastly, I can't forget to include my book, Wicked Smart Golf It has 111 ways to play better golf WITHOUT swing changes using my 5-pillar approach. Grab it on Amazon. Hopefully these gifts help you impress dad if you aren't nearby... but if you are, try to play golf with him and make some memories.
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Jun 9, 2023 • 4min

128: The ONE Question You Need to Escape Fairway Bunkers

Learn the ONE question you need to ask when you're in fairway bunkers to save shots every 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.
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Jun 8, 2023 • 57min

REPLAY: Colton Kalkanis on Speed Training + Dispelling Distance Myths

Colton Kalkanis is a former pro golfer, fitness coach for men over 35, and now a professional long driver. He finished second in the 2022 World Long Drive amateur championship and has big goals for this year. In this episode we cover everything from his time as a pro golfer, speed training, and his life as a long driver. Plus, we cover: His new brand deal for 2023 How he get to 140+ mph clubhead speed What the pressure of Q-school is really like How the everyday golfer can benefit from speed training If you should focus on speed or work on your mechanics first The importance role of fitness to playing your best golf more consistently And a lot more in this epic interview. Make sure to follow Colton on Instagram for daily tips to gain speed and get in better shape. Plus, make sure to slide in his DMs to learn more about his coaching programs. Lastly, don't forget to subscribe to him on YouTube as well. Instagram YouTube 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.
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Jun 6, 2023 • 15min

127: Recapping a Bogey Free Tournament Round (5 Lessons)

After recapping one of my worst rounds a few weeks ago it's time to recap one of my best rounds - a bogey free 69 in a tournament. In this episode you'll learn five tips to help you play better without swing changes for lower scores. 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.
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Jun 2, 2023 • 5min

126: Putt Like Your Personality - Drain More Putts Instantly

Learn how to putt like your personality type (following the Mental Golf Type system) to make more putts! 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.

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