

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

Apr 14, 2023 • 4min
107: A Simple 10-Minute Putting Routine for 10X Confidence
Stop skipping the putting green before the round. Use this simple 10-minute putting routine every round to make more putts and have confidence over the ball. 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 13, 2023 • 12min
106: Q&A: How Do I Eliminate Technical Swing Thoughts?
If you're like most golfers you've probably gotten too much in your head with endless mechanical swing thoughts during the round. Thinking things like: Push off the ground. Take it back more outside. Accelerate on the downswing. Make sure to hinge your wrists. Or whatever swing issue you're currently facing. That's golf - we tend to get overly technical but let me ask... has it ever helped your game? Chances are no, it hasn't... to play your best golf and get in the zone you need to LET GO. When you do, you can go unconscious and focus on playing golf... not playing your golf swing. Resources mentioned in this podcast: How to Eliminate Swing Thoughts: https://theleftrough.com/golf-swing-thought/ 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 11, 2023 • 24min
105: 7 Ways to Shoot Lower Scores Immediately (Masters Recap)
The Masters tournament is sadly over but there is a LOT to take away to help your game. In today's episode we'll break down a few of the biggest lessons from the first major of the year to help your game. When you listen to this new episode you will learn: How to play faster (and score lower). Why golf is so much more than a perfect golf swing. The one equipment switch that can help you drive like Jon Rahm. Why you should ditch your normal group to play with better golfers (sometimes). 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.

Apr 7, 2023 • 4min
104: Use Jon Rahm's Mental Hack to Go Low
Don't let a bad shot or bad hole get you down... the Golf Gods don't care about your whining! Instead, use these shots or holes as fuel to bounce back like Jon Rahm did on day one of the masters. Despite an ugly 4-putt double bogey he went on to shoot 65 & is tied for the lead. 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 6, 2023 • 41min
REPLAY: Abe Candelaria - From Pro Baseball to Top 10 Arizona AM & +3 Handicap
This guest podcast with Abe Candelaria is a game-changer! Abe didn't pick up a golf club until he was 24 years old after moving on from baseball. Within three months he was competing in his first tournament (talk about trial by fire). Now, he's a top-rated Arizona amateur golfer, +3 handicap, and won the San Diego amateur in 2021 at Torrey Pines. When you listen to today's episode you will learn: How to set golf goals The art of preparing for golf tournaments What to do daily to improve your golf game What it's like working with Boyd Summerhays Why short game is more important than long game How to play better under pressure and overcome nerves Please share with a friend or golf buddy who needs some golf inspiration! ______________________________________________________ Here's how Wicked Smart Golf can help you: Learn how to practice like a Pro (FREE Video Series): https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/practice Buy Wicked Smart Golf Book (111 Ways to Play Better Without Swing Changes) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39zNch7 Ready to master the mental game? Learn more about Mental Golf Type (MGT): https://www.mentalgolftype.com/a/39011/Hfvo4urF Want to have Tiger like confidence with your putter? Use the "Look and Shoot Putting System": https://www.autogolfshop.com/wicked/ Need to add distance to your game? Start speed training with SuperSpeed Golf: https://amzn.to/3gfqj61 Want a more consistent swing? Buy the Lag Shot training aid (voted best training aid in 2022 by Golf Digest):https://lagshotgolf.com/u/wicked-smart-golf ______________________________________________________ My other social media channels: Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wickedsmartgolf Subscribe to Wicked Smart Golf: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGt1yzKR05YpqipoLVkr5yw?sub_confirmation=1 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wickedsmartgolf/

Apr 4, 2023 • 19min
103: Masters Week - 7 Things You Can Learn from the Pros
It's the best week of the year - MASTERS week! If you're like me, it's time to barely work this week and instead, watch a TON of golf. Will a LIV golfer or PGA player win? Will there be drama? Will Tiger win again? It's going to be epic! But instead of mindlessly watching the best guys on the best course, learn from them! There's a ton you can learn from watching the best players in the world and apply to your game. In today's episode I break down seven things to consider when watching copious amounts of golf on TV including: Why you need a pre-shot routine. How they strategically play par 3s. Why you need a "goldfish" memory after bad shots. What to think about during your pre-round warm up (hint: it's not mechanics). And a lot more. Make sure to read the full article on the Left Rough: https://theleftrough.com/watching-professional-golf/ Also, check out Pre-Shot Like a Pro to dial in your pre-shot routine: https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/routine

Mar 31, 2023 • 4min
102: Use Phil Mickelson's 25/75 Rule to Never Miss Short Putts
Learn this simple putting tip from Phil Mickelson to never miss from short range again. Here's the video I referenced in the podcast that will transform your long game. Here's how Wicked Smart Golf can help you: Learn how to practice like a Pro (FREE Video Series): https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/practice Pre-Shot Like a Pro (Video Series) https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/routine Ready to master the mental game? Learn more about Mental Golf Type (MGT): https://www.mentalgolftype.com/a/39011/Hfvo4urF Want to have Tiger like confidence with your putter? Use the "Look and Shoot Putting System": https://www.autogolfshop.com/wicked/ Buy Wicked Smart Golf Book (111 Ways to Play Better Without Swing Changes) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39zNch7 Need a custom practice plan? Then you need the Under Par Golf App (enter WICKESMART10) for 10% off: https://underpargolfapp.com/pages/wickedsmartgolf Need to add distance to your game? Start speed training with SuperSpeed Golf: https://amzn.to/3gfqj61 Want a more consistent swing? Buy the Lag Shot training aid (voted best training aid in 2022 by Golf Digest):https://lagshotgolf.com/u/wicked-smart-golf ______________________________________________________ Connect With Wicked Smart on Social Media Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wickedsmartgolf Subscribe to Wicked Smart Golf on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGt1yzKR05YpqipoLVkr5yw?sub_confirmation=1 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wickedsmartgolf/

Mar 30, 2023 • 34min
101: Camden Nierman on How Clubfitting Can Save 5+ Shots Every Round
Your equipment can make golf a lot harder... or, a lot easier. It's such an important topic that I dedicated an entire chapter of my book to stress the importance of playing the right clubs. Your clubheads, shafts, and even grips play a big role in helping you shoot your lowest scores (without swing changes). After getting fit for a new PXG hybrid I had to bring on my friend and fitter Camden Nierman. He fit me for a new 17* 2H PXG club and it's been one of my favorite clubs ever. In today's episode you will learn: His biggest findings after fitting 3,000+ golfers. Why you shouldn't neglect your wedges and putter. The biggest equipment mistakes that most golfers make. Why your shafts are more important than the clubheads. If you should get fit when you're going through swing changes. And a lot more. To become a wicked smart golfer and play your best, you NEED the right clubs and this episode will clarify all your top questions. If you're in Scottsdale and need a PXG fitting make sure to reach out to Camden Nierman at the N. Scottsdale location. 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.

Mar 28, 2023 • 40min
100: Why I Quit My $100K Career for Golf (FREE GIVEAWAY)
Wow - episode #100! First off - thank you for the support, it means a ton. In 13 months, I've done tons of solo episodes, brought on amazing guests, and hopefully helped you become a wicked smart golfer. Today I wanted to mix it up and share more about my story, why I left corporate America, and hopefully provide you some extra motivation to crush your life and golf goals in 2023. In this episode I'll share: Why you need BIG goals. How I dropped 50 shots in four years. The biggest lessons in 25 years of playing golf. Why I quit my $100,000 career to pursue professional golf. Why now is the best time ever to play golf (and chase your passions). Plus, I'm giving away some EPIC gifts to celebrate the 100th episode. To enter I want to hear from you -- shoot me an email about your best golf story, golf goals, or the main reason that you love golf! Shoot me an email at michael@wickedsmartgolf.com. Don't forget to enter for these epic gifts too: 3rd place - Get my book "Wicked Smart Golf" and Pre-Shot Like a Pro (my signature program to help you shave 3–5 strokes per round by dialing in your routine). 2nd place - Will get my book, Pre-Shot Like a Pro and a FREE putting mirror from Back to Basics. It's my favorite putting mirror as it helps your putting practice with your eye and shoulder alignment. 1st place - Will get all of the above and a FREE mental golf coaching call to take your game to the next level. I look forward to hearing from you and thanks again for the support for the first 100 episodes of Wicked Smart Golf podcast.

Mar 24, 2023 • 4min
99: Ask Yourself This Question After a Bad Drive
In today's "five minute Friday" learn how to avoid big numbers and save shots every round with this one question. Here's how Wicked Smart Golf can help you: Learn how to practice like a Pro (FREE Video Series): https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/practice Pre-Shot Like a Pro (Video Series) https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/routine Ready to master the mental game? Learn more about Mental Golf Type (MGT): https://www.mentalgolftype.com/a/39011/Hfvo4urF Want to have Tiger like confidence with your putter? Use the "Look and Shoot Putting System": https://www.autogolfshop.com/wicked/ Buy Wicked Smart Golf Book (111 Ways to Play Better Without Swing Changes) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39zNch7 Need a custom practice plan? Then you need the Under Par Golf App (enter WICKESMART10) for 10% off: https://underpargolfapp.com/pages/wickedsmartgolf Need to add distance to your game? Start speed training with SuperSpeed Golf: https://amzn.to/3gfqj61 Want a more consistent swing? Buy the Lag Shot training aid (voted best training aid in 2022 by Golf Digest):https://lagshotgolf.com/u/wicked-smart-golf


