

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

Oct 20, 2022 • 1h 4min
46: Scott Fawcett - DECADE Golf 101 & Going to Q-School at 49 Years Young
>>Click here to join DECADE Golf with a 20% discount from Wicked Smart Golf. Or, use code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout. Today on Wicked Smart Golf I'm joined by Scott Fawcett, the creator of DECADE Golf. Scott is known as the "moneyball of golf" and uses data to help make decisions easier as his revolutionary course management system is changing the way golf is played. DECADE is used by top players like Bryson DeChambeau, Will Zalatoris, and countless other professional golfers. Not to mention collegiate players and elite amateurs (I've used this system for most of 2022 and it's helped me have my best year ever in tournament golf). If you're not familiar with this course management system, DECADE stands for: D: Distance E: Expectation C: Correct Target A: Analyze D: Discipline E: Execute This system makes it easy to pick your targets, play the percentages, and ultimately, shoot lower scores by avoiding big numbers. In this episode, you will learn: How to make your misses "better" Why you only need one shot off the tee How to pick targets and make better decisions The five most important stats to measure (known as the Tiger 5) Why you need to master self-awareness to not let your emotions get the best of you Plus, hear about his crazy experience going to the first stage of Q-school as a 49-year-old amateur. Listen to the full episode to get your PhD in course management and become wicked smart! >>Click here to join DECADE Golf with a 20% discount from Wicked Smart Golf. Read my full review about DECADE Elite and Foundations here. >>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.

Oct 18, 2022 • 24min
45: How to Putt With Tiger-Like Confidence (5 Simple Steps)
Learn the 5-step putting routine so you can gain confidence on the greens. One of the five pillars of playing "wicked smart" golf is putting like a pro. Putting accounts for 30% or more of all strokes during the round and it's the easiest part of your game to fix. If you really want to shoot lower scores and play your best golf, putting is the easiest way to make it happen. In this episode you will learn: The #1 putting training aid The best pre-shot putting routine How to record your stroke to instantly fix your putting Why your mind is wired for negativity (and how to fix it) How watching golf on TV sets unrealistic expectations that hurt your golf game To start making more putts FAST make sure to learn more about the Look and Shoot Putting System: https://www.autogolfshop.com/wicked/ Make sure to subscribe to my channel on YouTube for more golf content to play better without changing your swing: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGt1yzKR05YpqipoLVkr5yw And follow-on Instagram for daily golf tips and inspiration to shoot lower scores: https://www.instagram.com/wickedsmartgolf/

Oct 13, 2022 • 37min
REPLAY: Kyle Rodes on Shooting 58, Beating Max Homa, and Short Game Tips
Could you imagine shooting 58? Qualifying for sectionals for the US Open? And beat PGA Tour pro Max Homa in a match? In today's episode, I interview Kyle Rodes who's done all those things and a lot more. Kyle is a mini-tour pro in Florida who has an incredible golf swing (and game) but an even better mindset. In this interview, you can learn so much to apply to all aspects of your game including mental game, short game tips, and better course management skills. Remember, better golf doesn't mean changing your swing. It's about doing the little things on the course that make a massive difference in your score. Plus, Kyle's enthusiasm towards the game is addictive and inspiring. Enjoy this interview! Follow Kyle on Instagram and DM for 1:1 online/in-person coaching: https://www.instagram.com/kylerodes/?hl=en Buy Wicked Smart Golf Book on Amazon now: https://amzn.to/3NmfHOr

Oct 11, 2022 • 28min
44: The #1 Mental Game System That WILL Lead to Lower Scores FAST
Click the link to take your FREE personality test now: https://www.mentalgolftype.com/a/39011/Hfvo4urF Your personality affects your performance on the golf course. If you can sync your style of play with your personality, you can play better golf overnight. I know, it sounds too good to be true but I've used it and seen the results myself. After learning and implementing this method, I saw results instantly. In fact, my first tournament I hit 28/28 fairways by learning how my mind needs to pick targets to perform its best. Since then I've the principles to create a stronger mental game than ever before. Plus, it'll feel easy to learn because you are simply aligning your game with your unique personality. Once you play in a way that goes with your personality it's easy to get in the ZONE. You can avoid common stressors that kill momentum and play care free golf. In this episode, you will learn about Mental Golf Type (MGT) and how it can help you shoot lower scores. You will learn: How to find your personality type My top lessons from this mental game system How extroverts vs. introverts should play golf Why playing like Tiger Woods might be hurting your game And so much more. Click the link to take your FREE personality test now: https://www.mentalgolftype.com/a/39011/Hfvo4urF

Oct 4, 2022 • 22min
43: This Equipment Mistake Kills Distance and Accuracy
Subscribe to Wicked Smart Golf on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGt1yzKR05YpqipoLVkr5yw Golf is hard enough - don't make it even harder by playing the wrong equipment. While most of us focus on the clubheads and finding the right grips, we settle on shafts. But here's the problem, most golfers try to swing a stiff or X-stiff flex shaft when they should play a regular or stiff shaft. When you swing a shaft that is too stiff you kill distance, make it easy to slice the ball, and your mishits are much worse. The experts at True Spec even said, "In equipment circles, there is a common cliché that the shaft is 'the engine' of the club." When you listen to this episode you will learn: Why shaft flex is so important The swing speed you need for each flex Why seniors shouldn't always play senior flex Why beginners might benefit from a stiff flex shaft And more. Remember, to become a wicked smart golfer you need to play the right equipment and set yourself up for success! Subscribe to Wicked Smart Golf on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGt1yzKR05YpqipoLVkr5yw Check out this Golf.com article to find the right flex shaft for your swing: https://golf.com/instruction/shaft-flex-you-should-play-based-on-swing-speed/ Also mentioned in this episode: https://www.bombtechgolf.com/blogs/news/are-you-playing-the-wrong-shaft-flex

Sep 27, 2022 • 25min
42: Speed Training Makes Golf Easier - Follow These 2 Strategies
Speed is KING in golf. Don't get me wrong, short game (specifically putting) is imperative to great golf but you need distance too. For every extra MPH of swing speed you create with a driver equals 3 more yards of total distance. If you add 5-10 MPH to your driver swing in the offseason that 15 to 30 yards more distance. How much easier would every par 4 or 5 be if you were that much closer to the green? A longer drive means shorter approach shots and typically lower scores. Plus, who doesn't like to hit bombs! While working out can help your speed, I think speed training is much easier for the everyday golfer. In this episode, I'll take you through my off season speed training routine and the best ways for you to get started. Recommended: SuperSpeed Golf Sports Sensors Radar Voice Caddie SC 300 Launch Monitor The Stack System (recommended for more advanced golfers)

Sep 20, 2022 • 9min
41: Only Think About THIS While Playing Golf
If you're like most golfers, you fall victim to your mind during the round with: Worry about your score Fear, doubt, and nervous anxiety Thinking about mechanical swing thoughts All of which are holding you back from playing your best golf. Instead, you need to focus on one thing and one thing only to keep your mind busy. What is it? Target... it's the only thing that matters. You shouldn't be out there playing your golf swing but instead, focused on hitting shots at your target. In this quick hit episode we'll break down the two ways to identify targets and how this will help you stay present over every shot.

Sep 15, 2022 • 46min
40: 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. 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) Start working with David now: https://golfstateofmind.com/best-mental-game-golf-books/ Read his 300+ mental game articles: https://golfstateofmind.com/blog/

Sep 13, 2022 • 9min
39: This Wedge Mistake is Costing You Strokes
Want to become a wicked smart golfer and shoot lower scores without changing your swing? Then make sure your equipment is setting you up for success. Listen to this quick hit episode to learn how to choose the loft of your wedges so you don't major distance gaps on the course. This will make it easier than ever to play better every time you tee it up.

Sep 6, 2022 • 9min
38: 3 Ways to Have More Birdie Putts Every Round
Do you want more looks at birdie every single round? If so, this episode will give you three simple strategies to hit more greens in regulation without swing changes. Whether you realize it or not, most trouble is short of the green. While some holes might have a bunker or water behind the green, most of the trouble is short. Why? Because greenskeepers know that most golfers end up short and thus put the trouble accordingly. In today's episode you will learn three easy strategies to hit more greens and have more looks at birdie! If you're between clubs, pick the longer one in general (unless there is trouble long). Try not to pull the club; you must hit perfectly to reach the green. After learning more course management inside the DECADE program, the numbers show that missing long is almost always better than short. This should cause more looks for birdies so you can score consistently better. RECOMMENDED GOLF PRODUCTS --->Look and Shoot Putting Method: https://www.autogolfshop.com/wicked/ 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


