
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

Dec 17, 2024 • 28min
348: 5 Wicked Smart Lessons to Level Up Your Game
>>Check out the best golf gifts here! Here are some of my favorite items to buy for other golf addicts (or if you're treating yourself): 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%). 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). In this episode, you will learn: Why you must never give up on a hole. The biggest bunker mistake most golfers make. Tips to consider when playing in partner events. How to set mini goals to keep your mind motivated. Why you should sign up for at least one golf tournament in 2025. And a lot more. Make sure to subscribe and 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 13, 2024 • 5min
347: Steal Martin Chuck's 3 T's Practice Strategy
>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout. Steal Martin Chuck's tip to practice like a pro. As he said in episode 344, “I call it three T’s—you have a technique component, a trickery component, and a test.” This approach is brilliant for making practice more effective. Here’s an example of how to structure a 60-minute session using the three T approach: 10 minutes: Warm-up 20 minutes: Technique (block practice) 20 minutes: Trickery (creative practice) 10 minutes: Test (competitive practice) 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

Dec 12, 2024 • 59min
346: Martin Chuck - Game Changing Tip From a Top 10 Coach
>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout. Martin Chuck is a top 10 golf coach rated by Golf Digest and shares a ton of wicked smart advice to help your game. He is a renowned golf instructor with over 30 years of experience helping players of all skill levels improve their game. Known for his engaging teaching style and innovative methods, Martin is the founder of the Tour Striker Golf Academy and has worked with golfers on the PGA Tour, as well as amateurs looking to take their game to the next level. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: How an interlock grip is wicked stupid. What it takes to play well in tournaments. About training aids and how to use properly. Why you must stop being embarrassed to play your best golf. How to hit a basic chip shot to save shots every round. The 3 T's to make each practice session wicked effective. And a lot more. Make sure to follow Martin on Instagram and check out his products at Tour Striker Academy. 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

Dec 10, 2024 • 31min
345: 13 Golf Gifts That Don't Suck (& What NOT to Buy)
>>Check out the best golf gifts for 2024 here. Also, don't forget to register for the Mental Golf Summitt (where I'll be a guest speaker) on 1/25. >>Click here for all the details. Let's talk golf gifts... because let's get real, not all gifts are created equal. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: 13 wicked smart approved golf gifts. 3 gifts you should buy yourself this holiday season. What NOT to buy, so you're a wicked smart gift giver. And more as I take you through the best gifts that will help you (or anyone you're shopping for's) game. >>Check out the best golf gifts for 2024 here. 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 6, 2024 • 5min
344: Unlock Your Potential With This One Habit
Learn the one habit that all wicked smart golfers have in common to help you practice like a pro, avoid bad habits, and make lasting swing changes. Get started with iRange Sports to record your swing - use the code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10% on your investment. 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 5, 2024 • 1h 6min
343: Jordan Hagel - How to Become a Plus Handicap Golfer
>>Get WHYGOLF Training Aids using the code WICKEDSMART to save 15% to make the most of your offseason. Here are my favorites: Alignment Mirror: The best tool for every practice session to help dial in your alignment. Pressure Plate: Help improve your weight transfer for better contact. Putting Thing: A great putting aid to help with start line and works indoors or outdoors. Arm Alarm: Learn how to keep your arms connected to fight the flying right elbow or chicken wing. Full Swing Bundle: Get the Pressure Plate, Power Wedge, 2 Alignment Today's guest is Jordan Hagel who is the co-host of Member Guest Podcast, friend, and mental golf coaching student. He's sharing more about his journey to a plus handicap to help you figure how to improve wicked fast. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: Why boring golf is key to breaking 80. His journey to becoming a top 1% amateur golfer. Why course management is vital to scoring in the 70s. How DECADE stats helped creates his offseason blueprint. What to do when you're going low and how to keep it going. Why you need to have the right work ethic to lower your handicap. Make sure to follow Member Guest on Instagram and listen to their podcast for great guest interviews too. 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 3, 2024 • 29min
342: Recapping 3 Guests & Lessons to Fuel Your Success
>>Check out the EXCLUSIVE BF-CM Wicked Smart Deals now. Wicked Smart Golf Options The Ultimate Offseason (Get a FREE Audible book). The Ultimate Offseason Bundle (Get a FREE Audible book + two 30-minute coaching calls). Wicked Smart Golf Academy VIP Bundle (Access to all 5 of my online programs, Audible book, signed copy of my new book, and two 30-minute coaching calls). My three exclusive offers end on 12/3 at 11:59pm PST! In today's episode I'll recap three guest episodes (Dr. Luke Benoit, Leo Herrera, and Paul Salter). Also, learn more about the Mental Game of Golf Summitt on 1/25 where I'll be a guest speaker. Learn more here to start your year off learning from top mental game experts. 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

Nov 29, 2024 • 7min
341: 3 Mental Golf Questions You Must Ask Yourself
Join Mental Golf Type - 50% off using the code --> WSG! >>Check out the EXCLUSIVE BF-CM Wicked Smart Deals now. Wicked Smart Golf Options The Ultimate Offseason (Get a FREE Audible book) The Ultimate Offseason Bundle (Get a FREE Audible book + two 30-minute coaching calls) Wicked Smart Golf Academy VIP Bundle (Access to all 5 of my online programs, Audible book, signed copy of my new book, and two 30-minute coaching calls). My three exclusive offers end on 12/3 at 11:59pm PST! Mental Golf Type - 50% OFF (use code “WSG”) DECADE Golf - 20% OFF (use code "WICKEDSMART") Rypstick - 20% OFF (use code "WICKEDSMART") Arccos Golf - 35% OFF (use code "WICKEDSMART") WhyGolf Training Aids - 25% OFF (use code "WICKEDSMART") PrimePutt - 10% OFF (use code “WICKEDSMART”) AirBreak Putting Mat Ask yourself these three questions to improve your mental game this offseason: Do I have a consistent pre-shot routine? How does my self-talk help (or hurt) my game? What emotions or habits held me back this season? >>Check out the EXCLUSIVE BF-CM Wicked Smart Deals now. My three exclusive offers end on 12/3 at 11:59pm PST!

Nov 28, 2024 • 17min
340: Golf and Gratitude - 5 Reasons to Love the Game
>>Check out the EXCLUSIVE BF-CM Wicked Smart Deals now. Wicked Smart Golf Options The Ultimate Offseason (Get a FREE Audible book) The Ultimate Offseason Bundle (Get a FREE Audible book + two 30-minute coaching calls) Wicked Smart Golf Academy VIP Bundle (Access to all 5 of my online programs, Audible book, signed copy of my new book, and two 30-minute coaching calls). My three exclusive offers end on 12/3 at 11:59pm PST! Mental Golf Type - 50% OFF (use code “WSG”) DECADE Golf - 20% OFF (use code "WICKEDSMART") Rypstick - 20% OFF (use code "WICKEDSMART") Arccos Golf - 35% OFF (use code "WICKEDSMART") WhyGolf Training Aids - 25% OFF (use code "WICKEDSMART") PrimePutt - 10% OFF (use code “WICKEDSMART”) AirBreak Putting Mat When you listen to this episode, you will learn: The danger of your "hedonic reset point." Two books to make you grateful for golf. Why competition is so important for everyone. How an attitude of gratitude can transform your game. 5 reasons why golf is the best game ever and why you should be grateful for every round. >>Check out the EXCLUSIVE BF-CM Wicked Smart Deals now. My three exclusive offers end on 12/3 at 11:59pm PST!

Nov 26, 2024 • 29min
339: 5 Offseason Fails + INSANE BF-CM Deals You Can't Miss
>>Check out the EXCLUSIVE BF-CM Wicked Smart Deals now. Wicked Smart Golf Options The Ultimate Offseason (Get a FREE Audible book) The Ultimate Offseason Bundle (Get a FREE Audible book + two 30-minute coaching calls) Wicked Smart Golf Academy VIP Bundle (Access to all 5 of my online programs, Audible book, signed copy of my new book, and two 30-minute coaching calls). My three exclusive offers end on 12/3 at 11:59pm PST! Mental Golf Type - 50% OFF (use code “WSG”) DECADE Golf - 20% OFF (use code "WICKEDSMART") Rypstick - 20% OFF (use code "WICKEDSMART") Arccos Golf - 35% OFF (use code "WICKEDSMART") WhyGolf Training Aids - 25% OFF (use code "WICKEDSMART") PrimePutt - 10% OFF (use code “WICKEDSMART”) AirBreak Putting Mat Don't make these 5 offseason mistakes that most golfers make! When you listen to this episode, you will learn: About 3 exclusive WSG BF/CM deals. The five offseason fails most golfers make. The importance of putting indoors for 10X confidence. Why online coaching might get more results than in-person lessons. Why you need to focus on your mental game this offseason. How to keep your swing sharp even if you can't get outside and play golf. Why most golfers never improve in the offseason and how to avoid it to play your best golf. >>Check out the EXCLUSIVE BF-CM Wicked Smart Deals now. Watch my YouTube video on the best mental golf offseason strategies, too.