
Wicked Smart Golf
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 2,000,000 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.
Latest episodes

Jan 9, 2025 • 1h 2min
357: James Sieckmann - A Masterclass From the #1 Short Game Coach
Ready to play better golf? Get DECADE Golf 20% off using the code "WICKEDSMART" James Sieckmann is widely regarded as the #1 short game coach in golf, having worked with countless PGA and LPGA Tour players to refine their skills around the greens. Known as the "Short Game Guru," he has revolutionized how players approach wedges and putting, combining cutting-edge techniques with a deep understanding of the mental game. James is also the author of two acclaimed books, Your Short Game Solution and Your Putting Solution, which offer step-by-step strategies to help golfers of all skill levels improve their scoring game. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: What he learned from Seve Ballesteros. How the self-image is the secret to confidence. His experience caddying at the US Open for his brother. Putting drills to never waste time again and 10x confidence. Everything you need to know about playing the right wedges. Why you need a pre-shot putting and green reading routine. Lessons from Golf Digest 2019 top rated short game coach. And a lot more. Make sure to check out James' books, follow him on Instagram, check out his website, and join his online program, Short Game Mastery. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). WHYGOLF Training Aids - The Best Training Aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. PrimePutt: The best putting mats in golf, use code “WICKEDSMART” to save 10% on your investment. Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”)

Jan 7, 2025 • 28min
356: How to Set & Achieve Your Biggest Golf Goals in 2025
>Get the FREE goal setting worksheet to dominate 2025. Ready to dominate this year? Add distance FAST with Rypstick and use the code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10% on the best speed trainer in golf. Consider tracking stats with DECADE Golf or Arccos Golf (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10-20%). When you listen to this episode, you will learn: The secret ingredient to hitting your goals. My goals in 2025 and the hidden power of setting goals. Two goals every golfer should set in 2025 for lower scores and more consistent golf. Why each outcome goal needs a process goal to make achieving it much more likely. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). WHYGOLF Training Aids - The Best Training Aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. PrimePutt: The best putting mats in golf, use code “WICKEDSMART” to save 10% on your investment. - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”)

Jan 3, 2025 • 6min
355: Start Doing This to Avoid Injuries and Add Speed
Get started with RYPSTICK: Use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10% on the best speed trainer in golf. Download my FREE Speed Guide to increase driving distance fast. Take advantage of new year motivation by programming a strength training routine 2-3x a week. Paired with Golf Forever a few days per week, you'll improve strength + mobility for a better golf game. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). WHYGOLF Training Aids - The Best Training Aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. PrimePutt: The best putting mats in golf, use code “WICKEDSMART” to save 10% on your investment. Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”)

Jan 2, 2025 • 49min
354: Billy Troy - Golf Fitness Essentials For a Strong 2025
Get started with RYPSTICK: Use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10% on the best speed trainer in golf. Download my FREE Speed Guide to increase driving distance fast. Billy Troy is today's guest - known as the Golf Physio AUS - he's helping golfers dominate fitness, strength, and mobility around the world. With more than 100,000 followers he's helped golfers add speed, increase mobility, train smarter, and play better. In this interview, you will learn: The best warm up routines. The definition of golf fitness. His five pillar approach to improving golf fitness levels. How a plan and assessment tool can help measure your progress. Understanding the role of mobility and balance for a better golf swing. How speed training can help you add distance and improve confidence. And a lot more. Grab his free mobility guide, follow him on Instagram, and check out his warmup guide. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). WHYGOLF Training Aids - The Best Training Aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. PrimePutt: The best putting mats in golf, use code “WICKEDSMART” to save 10% on your investment. Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”)

Dec 31, 2024 • 25min
353: The Power of Reflection - Recap Your Year to Crush 2025
Get your goal setting worksheet now to dominate 2025! Also, don't forget to register for the Mental Game of Golf Summit on January 25th. Before going all in on the new year, make sure to recap your 2024. It's vital to acknowledge (and celebrate) your wins and learn from your losses. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: Why you need to recap before setting goals. Some of my wins to help you improve your game. Burnout is real and what to do if you're feeling stuck. How habits can help you shape your goals in 2025. Thank you again for all the support in 2024, I'm beyond grateful for following WSG. Look for the Wicked Smart Golf II coming in mid-January. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). WHYGOLF Training Aids - The Best Training Aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. PrimePutt: The best putting mats in golf, use code “WICKEDSMART” to save 10% on your investment. Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”)

Dec 27, 2024 • 5min
352: Boost Your Mental Game Before the New Year
Join Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Learn how to upgrade your mental game with one simple hack before going into 2025. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf - The #1 Course Management System (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 Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. PrimePutt: The best putting mats in golf, use code “WICKEDSMART” to save 10% on your investment. Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”)

Dec 26, 2024 • 48min
351: Sean Melia - Golf Writing and Massachusetts Golf Challenge
Join DECADE Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Today's guest is Sean Melia, a golf writer, avid player, and creator of Bay State Golf. He's on a mission to play every course in Massachusetts and about way there. In this episode, you will learn: How he quit his job teaching to go all in on writing. What inspired him to try and play ever course in MA. Tournament tips he learned for caddying at a USGA event. And a lot more. Follow Sean on his social medias and website: Instagram | TikTok | YouTube WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). WHYGOLF Training Aids - The Best Training Aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. PrimePutt: The best putting mats in golf, use code “WICKEDSMART” to save 10% on your investment. Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”)

Dec 24, 2024 • 17min
350: Offseason Reading - 7 Books That Will Change Your Game
Improve this offseason with WHYGOLF Training Aids - use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%. Whether you're listening to this in the offseason or not, you need to learn the right skills to lower your handicap. Let's face it, golf is hard as you have to master the swing, short game, recovery shots, putting, and more. But when you're armed with the right knowledge, it'll make it easier to lower your handicap. In this episode I'll reveal a lesson from seven of my favorite golf books to help your game: Zen Golf How I Play Golf Lessons from the Best Golf's 8-Second Secret Putting Out of Your Mind Your Short Game Solution The Tournament Golfer's Playbook Get your FREE pre-shot routine checklist. Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”). Sequel coming soon! WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. PrimePutt: The best putting mats in golf, use code “WICKEDSMART” to save 10% on your investment. Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube

Dec 20, 2024 • 6min
349: 3 Easy Offseason Tips to STOP 3-Putting
Want to putt better fast? Try out the Look and Shoot Method now! Putting is key to playing wicked smart golf. Follow these three tips: Invest in a custom putter fitting. Make sure your flat stick is right for you (check lie angle and length specifically). Invest in an indoor putting mat. PrimePutt is my favorite as it rolls wicked pure and feels like you're on the course. Use training aids to start each session. Develop good fundamentals using the Pro Path Putting Mirror or the Putting Thing from WHYGOLF. Watch this video to learn more putting practice tips. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental Golf Type - The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%). WHYGOLF Training Aids - The Best Training Aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Mental Golf Coaching - Get 1:1 support to lower your handicap, master your mental game, and have more fun. Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. PrimePutt: The best putting mats in golf, use code “WICKEDSMART” to save 10% on your investment. Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”)

Dec 19, 2024 • 58min
REPLAY: Dr. Joseph Parent - The PAR Approach to ZEN Golf
Learn more about mental golf coaching and shoot me an email - michael@wickedsmartgolf.com to learn more about working together this offseason. Make sure to read Zen Golf and check out the best mental golf books to read this offseason. Dr. Joseph Parent - the author of Zen Golf (one of the best-selling golf books of all time, more than 1M copies sold) is the latest guest on the show. This is a game changer interview that will teach you how your mind can help you on and off the golf course. When you listen to this full interview with Dr. Parent, you will learn: The PAR approach behind Zen Golf. Why you need to stop "anyway" shots. How to visualize based on your learning style. How to plan with your head and play with your heart. Why you need a pre and post shot routine for every shot. How he started working with PGA and LPGA professionals like Vijay Singh. Why you need an empty cup mentality to start improving your mental game. And so much more. It's easy to see why Zen Golf made my list of one of the best mental golf books and one I suggest to all my coaching clients. If you haven't yet, make sure to buy Zen Golf and Zen Putting today. And if you want to learn more about working with Dr. Parent, check out his website now. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“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.