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
16 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 39min
400: May Recap - 10 Lessons for Lower Scores + Epic Giveaway
Discover how to enhance your golf game with routines focusing on your short game and mental coaching techniques. Learn why locking in holes 16-18 can make a difference, and how practicing 'anyway' shots can shave strokes off your score. Delve into the critical role of fitness in performance and prepare for tournament challenges with effective strategies. Embrace the mindset for growth by setting audacious goals and tracking your progress. Plus, don’t miss out on an exciting giveaway celebrating listener support!
42 snips
May 28, 2025 • 1h 6min
399: Scott Fawcett - Short Game Secrets + The Mindset of Scoring (Pt. 2) & Recap
Scott Fawcett, the genius behind the DECADE Golf system, shares insights that can reshape your golf game. He emphasizes the power of short game routines and meditation for improved focus. Fawcett unveils a proven putting strategy that can help you sink more putts. He explains how to foster a consistent chipping system while reflecting on PGA Tour dynamics. With ambitions to chase the Champions Tour, he also dives into a wild analysis of the Masters, revealing how Rory could’ve clinched a major win.
15 snips
May 27, 2025 • 60min
398: Scott Fawcett - Short Game Secrets + The Mindset of Scoring (Pt. 1)
Scott Fawcett, the mastermind behind the DECADE Golf system, shares game-changing insights on course management and mindset. He discusses the vital role of short game routines and meditation for peak performance. Fawcett breaks down strategies from the Masters, analyzing how Rory could have excelled with a smarter approach. He also emphasizes mental resilience, chipping techniques, and the importance of simplifying golf strategies. With anecdotes from mentorship experiences, Fawcett offers a roadmap for golfers to play smarter and more confidently.
May 22, 2025 • 52min
397: Travis Zappia - Recapping US Open Pre-Qualifying Rounds
>>Get DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Today's guest is Travis Zappia a good friend and plus handicap. We each caddied for each other in the US Open Qualifying (he played Phoenix CC, I played The Estancia Club). This was my best qualifier and learned a ton that I know will help your mental game. Whether you play tournaments or not, this episode will help you master your game! In this episode you will learn: Why you must fight until the finish. The power of expectation management. Why you should enter into a big "scary" event. The importance of pre and post round routines to learn from everything. How to reset when you have negative visualization over a shot (and pre/post shot routines). And a lot more. 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. 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: 65+ 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
10 snips
May 20, 2025 • 1h 27min
REPLAY: Charlie Beljan - Think Like a PGA Tour Winner + 10 Lesson Recap
In this engaging discussion, PGA Tour winner Charlie Beljan shares his journey from a young golf prodigy to a successful pro. He delves into the significance of mental resilience, emphasizing strategies to manage blow-up holes and stay calm during high-pressure moments. Listeners will learn about the importance of knowing your carry distance and mastering wedge techniques to improve overall performance. Charlie also shares insights on crafting a strong mindset and provides practical tips for maintaining focus throughout the game.
May 15, 2025 • 49min
396: Dr. Nik Neal - Becoming a Top 1% Amateur Golfer
Get Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Train with Golf Forever: Use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15% on your investment. Today's guest is Dr. Nik Neal, the founder of Golf Strong Hit Bombs — a unique fitness system designed specifically for golfers who want to play better, swing faster, and shoot lower scores. Nik is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a competitive elite amateur golfer, and one of the most respected voices in golf-specific fitness. He's worked with golfers of all levels to help them move better, gain distance, and stay injury-free for the long haul. What makes Nik's approach so effective is that he lives it himself. Not only has he created a system to help others, but he's used it to transform his own game — becoming longer, more consistent, and more competitive than ever. In this episode, you will learn: Prehab vs. rehab. Why you MUST set big goals. His epic journey of tournament golf. The importance of distance for high level tournament golf. Why mobility and strength are game-changers for every golfer. Follow Dr. Neal on YouTube for his "Road to Augusta" series and on Instagram for daily tips. 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%). 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
May 13, 2025 • 35min
395: How I Shot 68-71-75 for 2nd Place at PHX City
Get DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Get Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Today is a special episode as I break down one of my best tournaments ever (and best multi-day finish in Arizona). Whether you're a 5, 15 or 25 handicap, you will learn a ton from the episode, including: The mindset to going low. How to reframe past year failure. My stats each day to help you reset expectations. The importance of hitting it longer off the tee and how to get started. How to bounce back from really bad shots (I had several thin irons, a flub, and a 4-putt). And a lot more. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products WHYGOLF Training Aids: The best training aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). 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
24 snips
May 8, 2025 • 54min
394: Dr. Michael Lardon - Learn How to Unlock Peak Performance
Dr. Michael Lardon, a renowned sports psychiatrist, has coached elite performers like Phil Mickelson and Olympic athletes. He shares insights on achieving 'the zone' for peak performance in golf and the importance of pre-shot routines. He discusses mental scorecards to enhance focus and reduce anxiety, along with strategies for managing pressure during high-stakes moments. Listeners learn how mental preparation parallels physical skills and how to cultivate a resilient mindset for better performance.
May 6, 2025 • 19min
393: 7 Deadly Habits of BAD Golfers You Must Avoid
Get Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Habits make or break success (in golf and life). If you want to achieve your goals this year, you must avoid bad habits that most golfers have. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: How to pre-shot like a pro. Why you must have an optimistic mindset. How a distance chart can 10X your confidence. The importance of tracking stats to getting more insights into your game. And a lot more easy golf tips to help your mindset + game. 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%). 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
May 3, 2025 • 25min
392: April Recap -15 Amazing Tips for Better Golf
Join Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 50+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. In this April recap, you'll get the best content from the month to help you play better without swing changes. When you listen, you will learn: Why score goals kill rounds. How to prepare for tournaments. The secret reason for tracking stats. The importance of mindset work for lower scores. My practice plan + the easiest way to practice like a pro and not waste time at the range. 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
