

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

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.

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”)