
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

9 snips
Oct 8, 2024 • 15min
319: 7 Easy to Apply Lessons From Mark Immelman
Let's recap the 2-part episode with Mark Immelman from last week to help you play wicked smart golf. During our epic interview we talked about his new book, Lessons From The Best, which is available on Back9Press or Amazon. In today's recap episode you will learn: Some easy offseason tips. Why you need to simplify the game. The power of training and alignment aids. The mindset you need when you miss the fairway. Why you need to make rehearsal swings to get your mind and body prepared for every shot. And a lot more. Don't forget to listen to his interview - episode 316/317 if you haven't yet. 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. 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”)

Oct 4, 2024 • 4min
318: Dream BIG & Have Discipline to Achieve Your Goals
Finish the year strong! To get the most out of your golf game you need BIG dreams and discipline to make it happen, according to Mark Immelman (and I couldn't agree more). Make sure to check out Mark new book, Lessons From The Best, which is available on Back9Press or Amazon. 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%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). 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. 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”)

9 snips
Oct 3, 2024 • 35min
317: Mark Immelman - 5 "Lessons From The Best" Golfers (Pt 2/2)
>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Mark Immelman is golf! He is a 3-time all American, former professional golfer, sports agent, broadcaster, podcast host of On the Mark with 700+ episodes w/7 million downloads worldwide, college coach, swing coach & author. Today, we're discussing some of the best lessons from his new book, Lessons From The Best, which is available on Back9Press or Amazon. In this 2-part episode, you will learn: How to break out of a golf slump. A crazy Tiger Woods story he got to call first hand. Why you need a strong work ethic to reach your potential. If driving or putting is more important for the everyday golfer. How he celebrated his brother Trevor winning the 2008 Masters. And a lot more. 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%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). 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. 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”)

9 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 40min
316: Mark Immelman - 5 "Lessons From The Best" Golfers (Pt 1/2)
>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Mark Immelman is golf! He is a 3-time all American, former professional golfer, sports agent, broadcaster, podcast host of On the Mark with 700+ episodes w/7 million downloads worldwide, college coach, swing coach & author. Today, we're discussing some of the best lessons from his new book, Lessons From The Best, which is available on Back9Press or Amazon. In this 2-part episode, you will learn: Why you should keep dreaming. How he became a successful broadcaster. The secret practice hack that every golfer needs. Why he created one of the biggest golf podcasts. A crazy Tiger Woods story he got to call first hand. And a lot more. 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%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). 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. 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”)

Sep 27, 2024 • 5min
315: An EASY Tip to Hit More Greens in Regulation
Whether you realize it or not, most trouble is short of the green. While some holes might have a bunker or water behind the green, most of the trouble is short. Why? Because greenskeepers know that most golfers end up short and thus put the trouble accordingly. If you’re between clubs, pick the longer one in general (unless there is trouble long). Try not to pull the club that you must hit perfectly to reach the green. After learning more course management inside the DECADE program, the numbers show that missing long is almost always better than short. This should cause more looks for birdies so you can score consistently better. 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%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). 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. 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”)

16 snips
Sep 26, 2024 • 53min
314: Brad Mason - How Training Aids Can Unlock Your Potential
>>Get 15% off WHYGOLF training aids with this link. Or, use the code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout. Brad Mason is the founder of WHYGOLF and wants to help golfers "suck less" by using their helpful training aids. After a successful career in the sports orthopedics industry, Brad and his brother Jeff jumped into the golf world, creating some of the best training aids in golf. I've used several of their training aids over the past few years and think you'll love them. Here are some of their training aids that can help with certain issues in your swing: 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 Discs, Arm Alarm, and 2 Padded Alignment Rods In this episode, we'll cover what makes a great training aid, best practices to using them, and how challenging it is to design golf products. Make sure to use the code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout to save 15% on any WHYGOLF product. 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%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). 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. 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”)

4 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 16min
313: 7 Short Game MISTAKES Killing Your Scores
A reliable short game is vital to playing your best golf. Don't forget, the 3rd and 4th pillar to playing "wicked smart" is all about putting and wedges. As Jon Rahm said, “My swing coach used to say that the short game is like the hospital; when your long game is sick, the hospital nurses you back to health.” First let’s set some expectations from 2022-2023 season on the PGA Tour: 58.66 scrambling 55% from rough 51% from sand Average proximity 7’10 Yes, they're good but far from perfect. Once you have the right expectations, then you need to avoid the seven mistakes in this episode. When you listen, you will learn: The importance of a landing zone. How putting from the fringe can change your game. The biggest setup mistake most players make with short game. Why you need to be honest about your short game practice to play your best. The correct tempo for short game shots that leads to better shots and more consistency. And a lot more. 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%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). 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. 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”)

Sep 20, 2024 • 5min
312: How Intuition Leads to Trust & Confidence
Learn how intuition can help you swing with trust and confidence on every shot. 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%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). 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. 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”)

Sep 19, 2024 • 59min
311: Michael Leonard - The True Power of a Strong Mental Game
>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Ready to lower your handicap and have more fun? Learn more about mental golf coaching - shoot me an email - michael@wickedsmartgolf.com Today I'm sharing an episode where I was a guest on the Mid-Am podcast, hosted by Tyler and Nathan. A podcast dedicated to improving at the game of golf while juggling the responsibilities that come with growing up. In this episode we covered a variety of topics including: How a tee shot trigger can add confidence. Why you need a reset ritual after a bad shot How to pick targets based on your personality type. How course management can help you drop shots quickly Learning if it's a mental or mechanical breakdown of your swing. Why tournament golf is a great way to speed up success and learn more about your game. Be sure to follow them on Instagram: Mid-Am podcast on Instagram - @midampodcast Tyler - @fadeandfairway Nathan - @nathan.furumasu 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%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). 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. 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”)

14 snips
Sep 17, 2024 • 24min
310: 10 EASY Tips to Lower Your Handicap (Charlie B. Recap)
Don't forget, Wicked Smart Golf Academy is open and our September call is tomorrow at 4pm PST (enrollment is open). Today, I'm recapping my 2-part episode with PGA Tour winner Charlie Beljan (episode #307/308). In this episode, you will learn: The first 3/last 3 approach for consistent golf. An easy trick to hit wedges more pure every time. How to find the right type of golf coach to work with. The importance of resetting expectations (regardless of your skill level). The most important number to focus on with approach shots. Why it's so important to not play "golf swing" and just play golf. If you want to get access to Pre-Shot Like a Pro for free, make sure to leave a review on Audible or Amazon. Then screenshot it and DM me on Instagram (@wickedsmartgolf) or email me and I'll get you access to the program. 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%). Arccos Golf - The easiest way to track and analyze your stats (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10% on sensors or grips). 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. 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”)