

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

Feb 28, 2023 • 26min
89: The 5 Pillars of Wicked Smart Golf for Lower Scores
Wow - one year ago I started this podcast and can't believe the journey. First off I want to say thank you SO much for supporting this brand. When I published my book (Wicked Smart Golf) and launched the podcast I had no idea what to expect. But 365 days later it's been great to help and connect with golfers around the world. But what is Wicked Smart Golf anyway? It's a 5-pillar approach to playing better golf without making swing changes. Pillar I: Mental Game Mastery Pillar II: Practice Like a Pro Pillar III: Peaceful Putting Pillar IV: Becoming a Wedge Wizard Pillar V: Course Management (Aka Wicked Smart) In this episode we'll review the five pillars and provide tips/resources to master each one of them. Thanks so much for the support! Resources Mentioned: Pillar I: Ready to master the mental game? Learn more about Mental Golf Type (MGT): https://www.mentalgolftype.com/a/39011/Hfvo4urF Pillar II: Learn how to practice like a Pro (FREE Video Series): https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/practice Under Par Golf App (enter WICKESMART10) for 10% off: https://underpargolfapp.com/pages/wickedsmartgolf Pillar 3: Peaceful Putting Want to have Tiger like confidence with your putter? Use the "Look and Shoot Putting System": https://www.autogolfshop.com/wicked/ Pillar IV: Becoming a Wedge Wizard Pre-Shot Like a Pro (Video Series) https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/routine Pillar V: Course Management Decade Golf - get 20% off using the code "WICKEDSMART" Don't forget to. buy Wicked Smart Golf Book (111 Ways to Play Better Without Swing Changes) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39zNch7 Thanks again for the support!

Feb 24, 2023 • 3min
88: Front Pin Strategy to Save 3+ Shots Each Round
Use this simple front pin strategy to stop short siding yourself, give yourself more looks at birdie, and shoot lower scores. 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/

Feb 23, 2023 • 34min
87: Tim Markison on How Athalonz Shoes Will Help You Hit Bombs
Are you ready to hit bombs without an endless amount of working out or speed training? Then you're going to love this interview with Tim Markison, the creator of Athalonz golf shoes. Here is quick bio about Tim, "Tim Markison is the country's leading patent business technologist having generated billions of dollars' worth of patented inventions. Tim is the only person in the country to be an inventor on more than 325 issued patents and to have drafted more than 3,000 patents. He has used his unparalleled technical and patent expertise to develop and patent Athalonz EnVe™ Technology." In this episode we'll discuss: How physics can help you hit bombs What is ground reaction force (and why you need it) How Athalonz golf shoes can help you hit it longer and straighter Why players like Bernard Langer and long drive professionals love these game-changing shoes

Feb 21, 2023 • 16min
86: Learn From the Pros - 5 Golf Lessons From Full Swing
Netflix released Full Swing recently and there's A LOT to learn from it. In this episode we won't cover any specifics with the players or episodes but instead, review lessons to help your game. Because in life and in golf, it's essential to learn from people ahead of you. And in this case, it's the best golfers in the world. What I loved about the documentary is that we get to see how challenging the pro golf is even as a top player. Not to mention the mental game struggles that even elite players face. We'll cover: The one question to learn from bad rounds How to upgrade your self-talk for better performance Why you need to track your stats and rounds to 10X practice sessions And how to upgrade your mental game, break out of a golf slump, and start shooting lower scores without swing changes. Episodes Mentioned: Decade Golf - get 20% off using code "Wickedsmart" at checkout: https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/blog/episode-46 Mental Golf Type: https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/blog/episode-62 Self-Talk in Golf: https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/blog/episode-12 Take advantage of Mental Golf Type with 25% off: https://www.mentalgolftype.com/a/39011/Hfvo4urF (use the code WICKEDSMART) 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/

Feb 17, 2023 • 3min
85: How to Make 50% More Short Putts
Want to play better golf? Then start by updating your putting routine! 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

Feb 16, 2023 • 47min
REPLAY: David Mackenzie Teaches Mental Game Secrets of the Pros
Today's guest interview is with a top mental golf coach in the world - David MacKenzie. And recently released his book, Golf State of Mind: How to Think Like a Champion. He is a mental coach and the founder of Golf State of Mind. He currently works with golfers on the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry, DP World Tour, Challenge Tour, LPGA and LET, along with many elite juniors and amateur golfers of all levels. I've worked with David for my own mental game issues several years ago and still use his advice to this day. He makes it simple to understand how the mind dominates our performance on the golf course for lower scores. In today's interview you will learn: The art of setting golf goals The power of visualization in sports Why you need to stay present to succeed How tracking stats can help you lower your scores Why the mind can limit your potential on the golf course (and how to overcome negative thoughts) Read his new book, "Golf State of Mind" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lyYvMB Start working with David now: https://golfstateofmind.com/best-mental-game-golf-books/ Read his 300+ mental game articles: https://golfstateofmind.com/blog/ 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/

Feb 14, 2023 • 15min
84: How to Create a Pre-Shot Routine Like a Pro
A pre-shot routine is one of the few constants in golf and something that you can control. A pre-shot routine will also help you: Stay calm and focused Improve your pace of play Block out negative thoughts Find your target and commit to a shot Take your range game to the golf course But most importantly, it will help you get into the zone. When your pre-shot routine becomes automatic, you can easily get in the zone and let your subconscious take over. This is where greatness comes and it's almost an out-of-body experience. To get these benefits on the golf course, you need to first create your routine on the range. In this episode we'll cover: Why you need a waggle How bad routines lead to meltdowns The importance of breath in your golf swing Why you need to analyze the lie before picking a club The correct amount of time to spend over the golf ball And more golf tips to help you have a pre-shot routine like a top player. Make sure to check out Pre-Shot Like a Pro video training now: https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/routine

Feb 10, 2023 • 4min
83: Middle Pin Strategy For More Birdie Putts
Learn how to attack a middle pin and get more birdie putts every round. 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/

Feb 9, 2023 • 57min
82: Colton Kalkanis on Speed Training and 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. https://www.instagram.com/coltonkalkanisgolf/ https://www.youtube.com/@coltonkalkanisgolf/

Feb 7, 2023 • 18min
81: Your Pre-Shot Routine is Costing You 3-5+ Strokes
Your pre-shot routine (or lack thereof) is costing you 3–5 strokes every round and I'll prove it in this episode. Think about it, pre-shot routines are part of sports; NFL kickers have one when they line up for a field goal and basketball players at the free-throw line. Each player develops their own pre-shot routine to stay focused and feel confident. The same goes with golf. Helen Alfredsson described the importance of a pre-shot routine in the book A Good Swing Is Hard to Find. She stated, "A pre-shot routine helps you build a cocoon around yourself. This is the mysterious zone that athletes refer to longingly. But there's nothing mysterious about it." A pre-shot routine is one of the few things you can control. It will help you analyze the shot, stay calm, improve pace of play, and transfer your range game to the golf course. In today's episode we cover the European Tour study that tracked 20,000+ shots and shows why ALL golfers need a pre-shot routine. You'll learn: Why you need a faster routine How every type of golfer can benefit from a set of pre-shot rituals How a routine can give you a 90% better chance to make short putts And so much more. Click the link to learn how to create your own routine (and avoid the most common mistakes) now: https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/routine


