

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

Nov 15, 2022 • 24min
55: 7 Tips to Shoot in the 70s (Without Swing Changes)
If you're shooting in the 80s right now, I want to help you get in the 70s FAST. If you search on YouTube or Google about breaking 80 you get a lot of swing tips and swing theory... but that can take a long time to lower your scores on the golf course. But the 7 tips in today's episode have NOTHING to do with changing your swing. Intead, they are course management and mental game hacks to help you play better golf without changing your swing (aka, playing wicked smart golf). Listen to learn how to shoot in the 70s... FAST. RECOMMENDED GOLF PRODUCTS ---> Look and Shoot Putting Method: https://www.autogolfshop.com/wicked/ ---> Mental Golf Type: https://www.mentalgolftype.com/a/39011/Hfvo4urF follow on other social media channels below: T I K T O K ✅ https://www.tiktok.com/@wickedsmartgolf I N S T A G R A M ✅ https://www.instagram.com/wickedsmartgolf/ W E B S I T E ✅ https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/ Y O U T U B E ✅ https://bit.ly/3vJTDpi B O O K ✅ https://amzn.to/39zNch7 ^^^Click the link to buy my new book, "Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing" on Amazon now.

Nov 11, 2022 • 4min
54: Club Up on Approach Shots to Have 3+ More Birdie Putts
Today's 5-minute Friday episode will help you have more looks at birdies! If you want to have more birdie putts every round, you need to club up on approach shots. Otherwise, you risk ending up short in the worst spot (and more bogeys). Think about it, most trouble is in front of the greens (bunkers, deep rough, water etc.). Plus, most golfers take a club that they need to hit perfect (which doesn't happen often, even for scratch golfers). By taking more club you are giving yourself more birdie putts (even if you don't hit the shot 100%). If you do miss the green long you should have an easier chip to get up and down. Buy Wicked Smart Golf Book (111 Ways to Play Better Without Swing Changes) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39zNch7 ______________________________________________________ Here's how Wicked Smart Golf can help you: Learn how to practice like a Pro (FREE Video Series): https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/practice 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?ref:wicked-smart-golf

Nov 10, 2022 • 9min
53: Q&A - How to Increase Clubhead Speed 5-10MPH in 45 Days (or less)
In today's episode I'm answering a question from a podcast listener about "How to increase swing in the off season?" Learn 5 ways I'm upgrading my swing and how you can gain speed this off season. Don't forget, every 1 MPH increase of speed equals 3 yards of extra distance off the tee. Come into 2023 longer than ever with these proven driving tips. Follow For More Epic Golf Content Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Start speed training with SuperSpeed Golf Join "Practice Like a Pro" - FREE Video Series Buy my new golf book on Amazon ("Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing")

Nov 8, 2022 • 13min
52: Zen Golf - 7 Mental Game Strategies for More Consistency
Zen Golf, written by Dr. Joseph Parent, is one of my favorite golf books. >> Buy Zen Golf on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3teRu4n If you want to take your game to the next level, this book can help tremendously. Dr. Parent uses a simple approach to help you hack your mind for lower scores and hopefully, more consistent results. It seems like every golfer I ask always says they want a more "consistent" score. The key to getting this type of consistency isn't from making more swing changes or buying more equipment. It's learning how to use your mind for more efficient and consistent results. Here's how Wicked Smart Golf can help you: Learn how to practice like a Pro (FREE Video Series): https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/practice 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?ref: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

Nov 4, 2022 • 5min
51: Extroverts: Learn How to Thrive on the Golf Course
If you're an extrovert, it's critical to play golf like your personality type! This five-minute Friday will help you thrive and get in the ZONE. Ready to master the mental game? Learn more about Mental Golf Type (MGT): https://www.mentalgolftype.com/a/39011/Hfvo4urF Related Episode: The #1 Mental Game System That WILL Lead to Lower Scores (episode #44) https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/blog/episode-44 Buy Wicked Smart Golf Book (111 Ways to Play Better Without Swing Changes) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39zNch7 ______________________________________________________ Here's how Wicked Smart Golf can help you: Learn how to practice like a Pro (FREE Video Series): https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/practice 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 ______________________________________________________ My other social media channels: Subscribe to Wicked Smart Golf: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGt1yzKR05YpqipoLVkr5yw Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wickedsmartgolf/

Nov 3, 2022 • 44min
REPLAY: Jake Chanen on Meeting Tiger Woods, Turning Pro, and Swinging Your Swing
In today's guest interview we talk with Jake Chanen - a mini-tour golfer in Arizona with tons of great stories and advice. He became an accomplished player at GCU, is a past Arizona Amateur champion, recently turned pro and now competing in the Dakotas Tour. When you listen to this interview, you will learn: How he met Tiger Woods The life of a mini-tour golfer Why you should swing your swing instead of trying to create "perfect swing" The biggest mistakes that most golfers make in practice that hold them back And so much more. Make sure to follow Jake on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jake_chanen10/?hl=en Buy Wicked Smart Golf Book (111 Ways to Play Better Without Swing Changes) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39zNch7 ______________________________________________________ Here's how Wicked Smart Golf can help you: Learn how to practice like a Pro (FREE Video Series): https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/practice 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 ______________________________________________________ My other social media channels: Subscribe to Wicked Smart Golf: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGt1yzKR05YpqipoLVkr5yw Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wickedsmartgolf/

Nov 1, 2022 • 27min
50: 7 Golf Training Aids That Actually Work
Today, I'll review 7 golf training aids that actually work. After writing millions of words as a golf writer (which include a ton of training aid product reviews) I want to showcase which ones are actually worth your money. One quick search on Amazon for "best training aids" and you get more than 1,000 results - yikes! But I'll break through the noise to talk about the best one that I use, recommend, and the best ways to use them in the offseason. Alignment Sticks: https://amzn.to/3SfJ1b2 Lagshot Golf: https://lagshotgolf.com?ref:wicked-smart-golf Planemate: https://amzn.to/3TBItNW Pressure Plate (WhyGolf): https://whygolf.com/products/pressure-plate? Inflatable Ball: https://amzn.to/3yPFwBp Superspeed Golf: https://amzn.to/3gfqj61 Putting Tutor: https://amzn.to/3VIZpDS Other Wicked Smart Golf Accessories Golf Putting Mat: https://amzn.to/3Dc17Xj Shag Bag: https://amzn.to/3eKiN2J Tripod: https://amzn.to/3CKU7iM

Oct 28, 2022 • 6min
49: Locate Your Landing Zone to Save Shots This Weekend
Welcome to 5-minute Friday! Today's topics - locating your landing zone. When you miss the green and are chipping or pitching, you need a target, just like you do with full shots. I like to think of this as your landing zone; this is where you want the ball to land once it hits the green. It will change every time based on the shot, green conditions, break of the green, and more. Your landing spot gives your mind something to focus on. Just like the full swing, you want to paint a clear picture of what you want from the shot, so your mind can make it happen. With chipping and pitching, you need a spot where you want the ball to land. Unless you're extremely short-sided, make sure the landing zone is always on the green. Buy Wicked Smart Golf Book (111 Ways to Play Better Without Swing Changes) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39zNch7 ____________________________________________________ Here's how Wicked Smart Golf can help you: Learn how to practice like a Pro (FREE Video Series): https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/practice 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 ______________________________________________________ My other social media channels: Subscribe to Wicked Smart Golf: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGt1yzKR05YpqipoLVkr5yw Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wickedsmartgolf/

Oct 27, 2022 • 38min
48: Cameron Strachan on Creating a Simple and Consistent Swing
Cameron Strachan, the creator of Automatic Golf and fellow golf author is back on the show. In our first interview we covered all things putting using the Look and Shoot Putting System (this system changed my game)! Today, we focus on natural learning in the full swing and more tips to play better without changing your swing. In this episode you will learn: How to "automate" your swing Why golf is a "throwing motion" The secret to better golf without swing changes What is natural learning (and how it can help your game) Listen to our first interview: https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/blog/episode-17 Learn about the Look and Shoot Putting System: https://www.autogolfshop.com/wicked/ Learn about Cameron's other "Automatic Golf" products: https://automatic.golf/wicked

Oct 25, 2022 • 26min
47: Tiger's 5 Golden Rules of Golf to Always Score Low
Join Decade Golf to master the Tiger 5 (20% off discount code). Tiger is the GOAT thanks to his 82 wins, 15 majors, and incredible records like making 142 consecutive cuts in a row (or winning a US Open by 15 shots). While his swing and short game are amazing, it's his course management (aka playing wicked smaaahhhht) that doesn't get enough credit! If you want to start scoring better every single round, you need to think like Tiger. In this episode, we'll cover Tiger's "5 Golden Rules" of golf to help you play smarter and score lower every single round. Resources Mentioned: Episode #46 w/Scott Fawcett: https://www.wickedsmartgolf.com/blog/episode-46 Look and Shoot Putting System: https://www.autogolfshop.com/wicked/ Wicked Smart Golf on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGt1yzKR05YpqipoLVkr5yw


