

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

12 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 24min
439: How to Play Smart Golf (9 SIMPLE Tips)
Useful tips on building a fixed pre-shot routine to reduce doubt and improve consistency. Advice on committing to one reliable shot shape and dialing full and knockdown distances. Strategies for practicing lower-trajectory knockdown shots and using driver more often. Guidance on attacking par fives, creating a wedge distance matrix, and avoiding low-percentage hero plays.

Oct 23, 2025 • 50min
438: Leo Herrera: The Wild Ride of Getting Through Q-School
>>Join DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Leo has an incredible playing and coaching background — he was a member of the Venezuelan National Team, a three-time Florida Cup Team member, and was named a 2019 Rolex Junior All-American (Honorable Mention), reaching 20th in the Rolex Golf Rankings. He also captured the 2021 USGA Four-Ball Championship before turning professional. Now, as a performance coach, Leo blends his experience as a player with modern movement science to help golfers play and feel their best. This episode is all about his wild ride in Q-school pre-qualfying. 💡 In This Episode You'll Learn: Leo's crazy Q-School journey — the grind, the lessons, and what it really takes to chase your dream. The exact steps to get through Q-School — from preparation and mindset to strategy and execution. How his elite amateur experience shaped his approach to professional golf. The connection between movement, performance, and consistency in tournament play. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes. Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently). Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).

9 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 23min
437: 7 Easy Wedge Tips That Will Transform Your Game
Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) If you want to shoot lower scores this season, it starts inside 125 yards. In this episode, Michael breaks down 7 essential wedge tips that will help you hit it closer, save more pars, and finally take advantage of your scoring clubs. You'll learn how to build confidence with your wedges, eliminate wasted shots, and turn your short game into a true weapon. What You'll Learn: Play the right wedges for your swing – not just what the pros use. Learn how bounce, grind, and loft affect every shot you hit. Ball position secrets (Charlie B method) – how a simple setup tweak can change your contact and spin. Why your weight should stay forward (60% or more) – the #1 key to crisp contact and consistency. Full swing vs. short game routine – how to simplify your process and build confidence on partial shots. Be okay with 20-footers – and why Tour pros miss more greens than you think. (We'll share real stats that'll change your expectations instantly.) The power of wedge practice – why spending more time inside 125 yards can lower your scores faster than swing changes ever will. And a lot more. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes. Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently). Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).

5 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 52min
Alex Huang - DECADE Golf Secrets for Lower Scores (Flashback Friday)
In this conversation, Alex Huang, COO of DECADE Golf and a course-management specialist, shares invaluable insights into lowering golf scores. He discusses the common pitfalls of aiming for pins, the crucial concept of 'Point A to Zone B,' and the surprising dangers of short misses on front pins. Alex compares his analytic poker background to golf, emphasizing variance management and strategy over mere stats. He also reveals drills to refine targeting and the importance of avoiding bogeys, making golf sound less complicated and more strategic!

Oct 16, 2025 • 54min
436: Andrew Hannon - Golf Fitness Secrets from a Top 50 Coach
>>Join the 30-Day Wicked Smart Golf Speed Challenge (last day) >>Get GolfForever 15% off with code WICKEDSMART Golf fitness can feel overwhelming, especially with so much conflicting advice online. That's why I brought on Andrew Hannon — a Top 50 Golf Fitness Coach — to simplify it all. He's worked with countless amateurs to top LPGA + PGA pros, including U.S. Open winner, Wyndham Clark. In this episode, we break down the essentials of golf-specific training so you know exactly what matters (and what doesn't). You'll learn: The biggest mistakes golfers make in the gym. Why training like an athlete (not a bodybuilder) matters for your swing. Simple routines that fit into a busy schedule. How to build strength without losing mobility. Andrew's take on fads in the gym and diet routines Make sure to follow Andrew on Instagram and DM to learn more about in-person & online coaching options. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes. Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently). Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).

Oct 14, 2025 • 21min
435: 10 Questions That Separate Average Golfers from Great Ones
>>Join the 30-Day Wicked Smart Golf Speed Challenge Some episodes give you tips. This one gives you transformation. I'll share the 10 questions that will change your mindset and game to use before, during, and after the round. You'll learn: The 10 questions that reshape your golf philosophy. How pros and coaches use these questions for breakthroughs. Why changing the way you think changes the way you play. How to turn reflection into action steps. And a lot more. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes. Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently). Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).

Oct 10, 2025 • 3min
Join the Wicked Smart Golf Speed Challenge!
>>>Join the WSG Speed Challenge now! What Is the 30-Day Speed Challenge? This isn't just another quick-fix program — it's a guided 30-day experience designed to help you swing faster, hit it longer, and build sustainable habits you can carry into next season. Program starts 10/14 and goes through 11/13! Over the course of one month, you'll train smarter, track your progress, and learn the exact routines Michael uses in his own pursuit of more speed. Every golfer knows that 1 mph of swing speed equals 2–3 yards of distance. Add just 5 mph, and you're suddenly hitting shorter approach shots, attacking more pins, and giving yourself more birdie chances. The best part? You can improve your speed at any age with the right work ethic.

Oct 9, 2025 • 59min
434: Dr. Andrea Wieland - How to Train Your Mind for Peak Performance
>>Improve Practice With HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Today's guest is Dr. Andrea Wieland — Olympian, psychologist, high-performance expert, and founder of Winning Systems Psychology. She's the author of The Confident Performer, holds an MBA and PhD from The University of Iowa, and competed on the 1996 U.S. Olympic Field Hockey team. For 25+ years she's been building "systems of winning," not just for athletes but for leaders, teams, and performers in high-pressure fields. She's led mental conditioning at IMG Academy, overseen Sports Medicine, Nutrition, Mental Health & Performance for ~1,000+ athletes across 33 sports at Penn Athletics, and works with folks from special operations soldiers to elite amateurs. Her work focuses on integrating mental resilience, identity, consistency, and wellness — seeing the athlete as a whole person, not just for scorecards. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: The four domains of your identity. The goal of golf (hint: it's not winning). How your self-image can sabotage success. Why you need systems to succeed in golf (and life). How an alter ego can help your mindset on and off the course. Make sure to check out her website to learn more about her book and training. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes. Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently). Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).

12 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 23min
433: 9 Speed Training Mistakes That Sabotage Your Scores
>>Get the #1 Speed Trainer in Golf: Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) >>Join the Wicked Smart Golf 30-Day Speed Challenge. If you want to make golf easier, you MUST start speed training! More speed equals more distance which makes golf SO much easier. Today, I'll share the biggest speed training mistakes that are holding you back from playing your best golf. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: How distance makes golf easier. Why you must warm up beforehand. The best tools to increase clubhead speed. Why you need to speed train in and out of season. And more tips to get you excited about speed training. Related blogs: Best Golf Speed Trainers Rypstick Speed Trainer Review Rypstick vs. SuperSpeed Golf Comparison WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes. Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently). Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).

Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 36min
432: Michael Leonard - The Secrets to Better Golf Without Swing Changes
>>Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Today I'm grateful to share an episode where I was interviewed for the HalfWay Hut Podcast. They asked some amazing questions and give you insight into quitting the corporate world, going all in on golf, and what it takes to break 80 consistently (without swing changes). When you listen to this episode, you will learn: Why you need the right tempo. Habits that lead to lower scores. Easy tips to go low without swing changes. How to avoid common equipment mistakes. The importance of your attitude on and off the golf course. And a lot more. Make sure to check out their growing podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Instagram for more great content. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes. Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently). Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).


