

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

May 9, 2023 • 23min
116: Recapping One of my Worst Rounds Ever - Must Listen
I'm not going to sugar coat it - this was a raw and real mental golf episode. Recently I had one of my worst qualifiers ever - not only score wise but mental game wise too. I was ashamed of my actions but with the help of my mental golf coach, John Weir, I've been able to learn a lot from a terrible round. In this episode you will learn: What to do after a bad round. Why you need to forgive yourself from mistakes. How bad rounds can lead to the biggest breakthroughs. And a lot more. Just remember, golf is hard and like life, will test you at times. But the good news is that when used correctly, your "bad rounds" can fuel change and greatness. I hope being raw and real with you guys will help you become better players and enjoy the game a lot more. If I can help with any of your mental golf struggles, please let me know by shooting me an email (michael@wickedsmartgolf.com). Thanks for the support! 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.

May 5, 2023 • 5min
115: The EASIEST But Unsexy Way to Save Shots Around the Green
When you miss the green, follow this rule: If you can putt it, putt it. If you can't putt it, chip it. If you can't chip it, pitch it. One of most golfers' biggest mistakes is chipping or pitching instead of putting from off the green. Golf is all about the odds and playing the percentages to manage your way to lower scores. You are much more likely to hit it closer to the hole with a putter than with a wedge. Sure, it's not as sexy to putt from off the green as it is a high pitch, but it's the higher percentage play. Keep the ball on the ground (or lower to the ground), so once it hits the green, it rolls like a putt. When you're off the green and choose to putt, you don't need to make many changes either. The only thing you have to worry about is the amount of fringe between you and the green. If it's thicker fringe, you will need to hit it harder. If it's thin and mowed tight, you can putt it nearly the exact same as you would if it was on the green. Here's how Wicked Smart Golf can help you: 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. 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.

May 4, 2023 • 13min
114: Q&A - How Do I Stay Focused During the Round?
Do you struggle to stay focused every round? If so, just know you're not alone! This is something I've struggled with in the past and want to share my best tips in this Q&A episode of Wicked Smart Golf. When you listen you will learn: The two types of focus. How to finish strong every round. Why you need to know your personality type to optimize your energy levels. Don't try to focus like a robot for the entire round; it won't make you play better. It will just wear you down sooner. Give it maximum effort on each shot by focusing when you need to and taking a mental break between shots. 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.

May 2, 2023 • 21min
113: How a Short Game Routine Can Save 3-5 Shots Every Round
If you're like most golfers chances are you have a pre-shot routine but what about a short game routine? Here's the thing... to play your best golf, you NEED to master your routines around the greens. Otherwise, you're giving up tons of strokes by letting nerves, doubt, and fear get in the way. But if you watch the best golfers in the world you will notice their short game routine is NOTHING like their long game. This is why it's crucial to develop a short game routine that will help you with chipping/pitching. 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.

Apr 28, 2023 • 4min
112: The Simple Gratitude Trick to Play Better and Have More Fun
Your attitude is everything on the golf course (and in life). So many players have a bad attitude on the links and wonder why they don't score like they want. To play better golf and set yourself up for a better mental game, change your attitude to gratitude. Being grateful is something you control and can have a massive impact on your game. Here's what Harvard Health said about the power of gratitude: "In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships." Gratitude equals happiness. If you're happier on the golf course, you won't get as frustrated or emotional, enjoy good shots more, feel better during and after the round, have the mental strength to deal with bad shots, and create better relationships. This comes from simply being grateful. 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.

Apr 27, 2023 • 42min
111: Travis Zappia - How Tournament Golf Can Unleash Your True Potential
Tournament golf is NOT like a normal round of golf with your buddies. Playing in a solo competition brings out more nerves and first tee jitters than you thought possible. A tournament round will teach you a lot about your own game - both good and bad. Today, I interviewed Travis Zappia aka "The Young Retiree by 33" a friend and fellow tournament golfer. When you listen to this full interview you will learn: How to navigate the competitive golf landscape How he uses Decade Golf for optimal course management Why tournament golf can help you reach your true potential Mindset tips to speed up success and stay calm under pressure And a lot more. You will learn everything you need to know about tournament golf to take your game into a pressure packed situation and play your best. Make sure to follow Travis on Instagram @youngretireeby33 or his golf account @justshortgolf. 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.

Apr 25, 2023 • 18min
REPLAY: How to Overcome Golf Nerves FAST (9 Tips)
Golf nerves are real but these 9 strategies can help you overcome them for good! Golfers get so nervous with first tee jitters and nerves that it can ruin your round... but when you learn to master your mind you can play great (even under pressure). Don't forget golf nerves aren't always a bad thing either. As Tiger Woods said, "If you're not nervous, it means you don't care." Even the GOAT still gets nervous on the golf course... but it's crucial to get them under control so you can score low under pressure. Listen to learn tips you can do before and during the round to overcome golf nerves and play more consistently. Related Episodes Mentioned - Episode 35: Steve Woods Interview (Golf Hypnotist) 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.

Apr 21, 2023 • 4min
110: Your Commitment Issues Are Killing Your Game
To make more putts you MUST do one thing above all else. When you, do you'll have a MUCH better chance of making more putts. 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.

Apr 20, 2023 • 45min
109: Jerome Rufin: Moving Across the Country to Become a Scratch Golfer
Imagine moving across the country with one goal - to become a scratch golfer! Would you do it? Today I got a chance to interview Jerome Rufin who is just starting the game and did just that. He's so obsessed that he left his life in NYC and moved to San Diego with one goal - become a scratch golfer. But here's the kicker... he's only played golf for about a month. However, he's not trying to learn it all on his own and has recruited some of the top instructors and specialists to achieve his goals faster than ever. He now has a swing coach, putting coach (the same guy who coaches Xander Schauffele), a trainer, and a sports psychologist who's trained Olympic athletes. Not to mention a few friends who help him create some of the best golf content out there. Needless to say, he has quite a support system and is wildly motivated to make it happen. This is the video that I first saw of Jerome's that prompted me to reach out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DywQ5YvdrVA Make sure to subscribe to his content, YouTube especially so you can follow along his journey. I have no doubt he'll hit his goal and become a wicked smart scratch golfer. https://www.youtube.com/@JeromeRufin https://tiktok.com/@jeromerufin https://www.instagram.com/jerome.rufin/ https://www.facebook.com/ScratchToScratch 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.

Apr 18, 2023 • 16min
108: 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.


