

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

Jan 21, 2025 • 1h 4min
362: Michael Leonard - Q-School, Offseason Hacks, and Post Round Rituals
Join DECADE Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Also, my new book, Wicked Smart Golf II: The Blueprint to Breaking 80 Consistently is LIVE on Amazon (kindle + paperback + hardcover) and Audible sometime in February. Learn proven strategies to break 80 and play your best golf ever WITHOUT swing changes. Thanks for the support! Enter the WSG2 Launch promotion (must have a Gmail address or send name, email, and proof of purchase to wickedsmartgolf@gmail.com). In this episode (which originally aired on Amateur Golf.com podcast) you will learn: Why your subconscious needs repetition. The power of a peak performance checklist. How to learn about your game with post round rituals. The importance of a morning ritual to upgrade your mindset. Why it's crucial to train your mind and swing this offseason to hit your golf goals. Check out amateurgolf.com to find golf tournaments and test your game in 2025! You can also read my articles on Amateur Golf: How to Plan the Ultimate Arizona Golf Trip Why I Quit My $100,000 Career to Chase the Golf Dream 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 Wicked Smart Golf Amazon or Audible Buy Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon (Audible coming soon).

Jan 17, 2025 • 5min
361: This Mental Hack Leads to Optimism on Every Shot
Join DECADE Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Also, my new book, Wicked Smart Golf II: The Blueprint to Breaking 80 Consistently is LIVE on Amazon (kindle + paperback + hardcover) and Audible sometime in February. Learn proven strategies to break 80 and play your best golf ever WITHOUT swing changes. Thanks for the support! Enter the WSG2 Launch promotion (must have a Gmail address or send name, email, and proof of purchase to wickedsmartgolf@gmail.com). In this 5-minute Friday, learn why self-talk fuels optimism so you approach every shot with confidence. 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”)

Jan 16, 2025 • 1h 17min
360: Michael Nordberg - From 17 to 9 HDCP (No Swing Changes)
>>Join DECADE Golf - 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" Also, my new book, Wicked Smart Golf II: The Blueprint to Breaking 80 Consistently is LIVE on Amazon (kindle + paperback + hardcover) and Audible sometime in February. Learn proven strategies to break 80 and play your best golf ever WITHOUT swing changes. Thanks for the support! Enter the WSG2 Launch promotion (must have a Gmail address or send name, email, and proof of purchase to wickedsmartgolf@gmail.com). Today's guest is a podcast listener and Wicked Smart fan who got to a single digit WITHOUT swing changes. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: Why DECADE Golf is a gamechanger. The power of self-talk to turn the round around. How he finally broke through his "bogey golf" plateau. Why short game is everything in your quest to lower scores. How Rypstick transformed his driver game from 92 to 111 mph and added 25 yards! Use this episode as inspiration to play your best golf ever in 2025 and beyond! 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”)

Jan 14, 2025 • 31min
359: How to Develop a Mental Edge + WSG2 Launch Promotion
My new book, Wicked Smart Golf II: The Blueprint to Breaking 80 Consistently is LIVE on Amazon (kindle + paperback + hardcover) and Audible sometime in February. Learn proven strategies to break 80 and play your best golf ever WITHOUT swing changes. Thanks for the support! Enter the WSG2 Launch promotion (must have a Gmail address or send name, email, and proof of purchase to wickedsmartgolf@gmail.com). In this episode, you will learn how to get "mental edge" with a morning routine. You will learn: How to prime your mind for success. Why you need an optimistic attitude to win. The power of breathing properly to get out of stress. Proven habits to start your day right and program new patterns to upgrade your thinking. And a lot more details about the upcoming launch promotion. 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 12, 2025 • 2min
WICKED SMART GOLF II is LIVE on Amazon
My new book, Wicked Smart Golf II: The Blueprint to Breaking 80 Consistently is LIVE on Amazon (kindle + paperback)... hardcover should release later today or early next week and Audible sometime in February. Learn proven strategies to break 80 and play your best golf ever WITHOUT swing changes. Thanks for the support!

Jan 10, 2025 • 5min
358: Avoid These 3 Wedge Mistakes to Scramble Better
Become a wedge wizard with my FREE 10-page guide! In this quick five minute Friday episode you will learn 3 equipment errors from James Sieckmann that might be holding you back from improving your short game. Make sure to listen to episode 357 with James and check out his 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. Plus, learn more about his online mentorship, 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 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”)