

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 24, 2025 • 49min
391: Sean Ogle - From Finance to Full Time Golf Content Creator
>>Join Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 50+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. I’m excited to welcome Sean Ogle, the founder of BreakingEighty.com, one of the most trusted and influential golf gear and travel websites on the internet. What started as a simple quest to break 80 turned into a massive online platform where Sean reviews everything from golf courses to rangefinders, training aids, and more. His honest, in-depth reviews have helped hundreds of thousands of golfers make smarter buying decisions—and play better golf because of it. In this episode, we talk about: How Breaking Eighty was born and what fueled Sean’s journey His journey to play the top 100 golf courses. His favorite golf gear of 2025 (and what’s overhyped) The secret benefit to tracking your stats with Arccos Golf And a lot more. If you’re into golf equipment, strategy, or want to create your own dream golf life—this one’s for you. Follow Sean on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). WHYGOLF Training Aids: The best training aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible Buy Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible

Apr 22, 2025 • 36min
390: Dissecting the Best/Worst Tournament 69 I've Ever Shot
>>Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Golf is hard and in this episode I share the ins and outs of what could've been the lowest round of my life to help you avoid the same mental pitfalls. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: Why you must stay present to go low The "Rory reframe" to help you flip your mindset switch. The importance of guided visualization to achieve your goals. How a bad warmup doesn't guarantee a bad round (unless you let it) And a lot more lessons from my recent one-day men's club event to help you play better (without swing changes). WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). WHYGOLF Training Aids: The best training aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 50+ 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 Buy Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible Buy Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible

Apr 17, 2025 • 55min
389: Mike Booker - Avoid These 7 Tournament Golf Mistakes
>>Learn to Practice Like a Pro with custom practice plans. >>Develop your Pre-Shot Routine to play better under pressure. Mike Booker (author of the Tournament Golfers Playbook) is back on Wicked Smart Golf for part three to share more about getting the most out of your game in competition. He's not only an author of one of my favorite mental golf books, but also a very successful golfer himself. As mentioned on his website, "Mike Booker is well known in Texas amateur golf and beyond. He has won a record number of Texas Golf Association events and multiple Texas Player of the Year distinctions. In 2019, he was inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame, joining the likes of Jackie Burke and Ben Hogan." In this episode, you will learn: Why you should skip setting score goals. The importance of pre-round prep to build confidence. Process orientation vs. results orientation to stay present. Why you must not abandon your pre-shot routine (even if you're playing poorly). How a post round debrief can help your mindset and game heading into multi-day events. Ready to play better in tournaments? Make sure to download my Tournament Golf Checklist so you can prepare like a pro. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). WHYGOLF Training Aids: The best training aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible Buy Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible

Apr 15, 2025 • 23min
388: Masters Recap - Lessons from the Legendary Tournament
Grab my pre-shot routine checklist (100% FREE). Submit your questions for Scott Fawcett's upcoming interview later this month here (or email me, michael@wickedsmartgolf.com) Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 50+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. The Masters is over and Rory got the win (barely). I'm stoked to see him persevere and his emotions on the final hole said it all. Even if you aren't playing in the Masters, you can learn from the best golfers in the world. In this Wicked Smart Golf recap, you'll learn 10 easy tips to play better without swing changes, including: Why you must play your game. The importance of never giving up. How the 10% rule can help you improve your lag putting. The art of the bounceback after Nick Dunlap went 90-71. 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%). WHYGOLF Training Aids: The best training aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible Buy Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible

Apr 10, 2025 • 34min
387: 5 Powerful Mental Golf Tips + How I Overcame Anger
Get started with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Today I'm recapping my epic interview with Debbie O'Connell and sharing more about my experience working with her in Timeline Therapy. How to recap your rounds. The power of morning routines for a better mindset. The importance of awareness and getting to know yourself. Why you need a "Ringer Round" scorecard to visualize success on the course. How TimeLine Therapy can help you overcome hold beliefs holding you back in golf and life. Learn more about Debbie's programs, trips, and working together on her website. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products WHYGOLF Training Aids: The best training aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Mental Golf Type: The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 50+ 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 Buy Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible Buy Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible

Apr 8, 2025 • 1h 10min
386: Debbie O'Connell - Build Unshakeable Confidence in Golf & Life
>>Join Mental Golf Type: The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Today’s guest is someone who lives and breathes positivity—on and off the golf course. I’m thrilled to welcome Debbie O’Connell, the founder of Golf Positive, to the show. Debbie is a PGA professional, speaker, author, and one of the most inspiring voices in the world of golf. She’s dedicated her career to helping players build confidence, develop a winning mindset, and bring more joy into the game. Her approach is rooted in the belief that your attitude can be your greatest asset—not just in golf, but in life. She’s been named LPGA National Professional of the Year, featured in Golf Digest’s Top 50 Women Teachers, and runs powerful coaching programs, retreats, and trainings for golfers of all levels. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: Step one in changing your mindset fast. Why your brain loves and needs routines. Easy mindset hacks to master your mental game. How to shift beliefs by reprogramming your subconscious. How Timeline Therapy can help you break past limiting beliefs. Learn more about Debbie's programs, trips, and working together on her website. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). WHYGOLF Training Aids: The best training aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 50+ 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 Buy Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible Buy Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible

Apr 3, 2025 • 24min
385: 7 Game-Changing Lessons from March’s Top Golf Minds
>>Join the Practice Formula now for 50+ printable plans and a 90-minute practice masterclass. Also, don't forget to enter into the Wicked Smart Golf II promotion. March was epic and want to highlight the biggest lessons in case you missed any of these epic interviews. Guest recaps Travis Key: Hydrate for better golf and workout to hit bombs! James Berry: Discipline — practicing when no one is holding you accountable is how you'll improve. Justin Kraft: Blend various types of practice together to mix it up and stay mentally engaged. Brittany Fan: Practice more often, keep yourself laughing to stay relaxed under pressure, and grind through the bad times. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). WHYGOLF Training Aids: The best training aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 50+ 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 Buy Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible Buy Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible

Apr 1, 2025 • 38min
384: 70-77-75 - A Deep Dive into My Strokes Gained and Strategy
>>Join the Practice Formula now for 50+ printable plans and a 90-minute practice masterclass. March Madness for Wicked Smart Golf has come to a close and want to share my lessons from a recent tournament. The AGA Championship at Aguila was filled with lots of wins and a few key learning moments. I shot 70, 77, and 75 to make the cut, but not good enough to finish in the top 20 (always a goal for our "majors" in Arizona). When you listen to this episode, you will learn: The importance of the six three's mindset. Why you should lean in when you're playing well. How to manage your mind and expectations during the round. Why it's so crucial to think about pin location and carry distance in your pre-shot routine. And a lot more tips. Whether you play in tournaments or not, you'll have tons of strategies to shoot lower scores without swing changes. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). WHYGOLF Training Aids: The best training aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 50+ 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 Buy Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible Buy Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible

Mar 31, 2025 • 2min
The Practice Formula: How to Practice Like a Pro With 50+ Plans
>>Join the Practice Formula now for 50+ printable plans and a 90-minute practice masterclass. Price increases in one week! Want to finally practice with purpose and actually see results on the golf course? In this episode, I break down the Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula—a proven system built to help you train smarter, lower your scores, and stop wasting time at the range. Whether you have 30 minutes or a full 90-minute session, this formula gives you structured, easy-to-follow plans for every area of your game: full swing, wedges, short game, putting, and even mental game practice. I’ll also walk you through the 5 types of practice, the biggest mistakes most golfers make, and how to tailor your practice sessions based on the season and your specific goals. If you’re tired of hitting buckets without getting better, this episode will give you the blueprint to start improving fast. >>Join the Practice Formula now for 50+ printable plans and a 90-minute practice masterclass.

9 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 50min
383: Justin Kraft - 7 Practice Mistakes Killing Your Scores
Join Justin Kraft, a top-rated golf coach and Director of Instruction at Spring Hill Golf Club, as he shares key insights on refining your golf practice. Discover why blending block and variable practice is crucial for improvement. Learn how practicing without immediate feedback can enhance your skills. Justin emphasizes the disastrous effects of neglecting alignment and offers innovative tips to incorporate effective practice strategies. Tune in for practical advice that'll transform your game and elevate your scores!