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.

  1. 3D AGO

    Dr. Jeremy James: Build Strength, Avoid Injuries & Play Golf Forever (Fitness Friday)

    >>Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%).  Today's guest is Dr. Jeremy James — a leading authority in golf fitness, injury prevention, and spinal health. He's the founder of GolfForever, a digital training system trusted by thousands of golfers worldwide, and the co-author of the bestselling book The Younger Next Year Back Book. Dr. James has spent his career helping golfers eliminate pain, build strength, and play the game for life — and today, he's here to share how you can do the same. In this episode, we'll cover: How golfers should warm up Core strength and avoiding back problems The one thing he wishes every golfer would for their fitness The biggest mobility and flexibility myths you need to understand How GolfForever can help you add strength, reduce chances of injury, and play better golf for decades to come  And a lot more. Take your health seriously so you can play this awesome game forever!  WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)  Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%).  Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).  Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  Practice Like a Pro With Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro.   Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible.  Simplify "golf fitness" with my newest book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible.  Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram   Subscribe on YouTube

    53 min
  2. 4D AGO

    460: John Novosel Jr. - Use Tour Tempo to Dominate the Offseason

    >>Get the Tour Tempo Masterclass now (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 20%). >>Speed train with RYPSTICK (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 20%). >>Get the Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula (Amazon or Audible). John Novosel Jr. is back for part 3 to talk more about tempo. John is the creator of the Tour Tempo app based on his dads book, Tour Tempo and Tour Tempo 2... some of my favorite golf books of all time. In this episode, we talk about how to train your tempo in the offseason. You will learn: John's new 1:1 tempo discovery.  How to train your tempo in the winter. Why tempo cleans up your stroke and swing.  How to identify your tempo and adjust quickly. The difference between short game vs. long game tempo. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)  Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%).  Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).  Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  Practice Like a Pro With Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro.   Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible.  Simplify "golf fitness" with my newest book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible.  Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram   Subscribe on YouTube

    1 hr
  3. 6D AGO

    459: How "Unconscious Putting" Will Help You STOP 3-Jacks

    >>Get the FREE Putting Routine Checklist >>Speed train to gain speed this season with RYPSTICK. Ready to stop 3-putting? It's time to learn how to go "unconscious" on the greens using Dave Stockton's tips from his book, Unconscious Putting. In this book review style episode, you will learn: Mental game putting tips of the pros. The right way to warm up before the round. How a highlight reel can 10X your confidence. Why you need to trust your instincts more (and maybe stop reading the putt from behind the hole). Alongside some of my favorite quotes from the book that will inspire your best season ever.  WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)  Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%).  Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).  Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  Practice Like a Pro With Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro.   Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible.  Simplify "golf fitness" with my newest book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible.  Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram   Subscribe on YouTube

    25 min
  4. JAN 9

    Shaun Diackhoff - 7 Golf Fitness Mistakes to Avoid (Fitness Friday)

    >>NEW BOOK: The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula: Train Smarter. Hit Longer. Play Forever. >>FREE: Golf Offseason Guide To lower your handicap and play more consistent you need to take your fitness seriously. Most golfers suffer from back injuries that can wreak havoc on your future... so it's important to bring on a fitness guest to avoid some of the most common fitness mistakes. Shaun Diackhoff is a 3-time guest (episode 77 & 138) is a strength and conditioning coach and fellow golf addict. He's been a personal trainer since 2009 and left his career in 2014 in Aviation Maintenance in the Australian Military to pursue his passion for fitness. He's been helping people change their bodies ever since and got into online training in 2021 with a focus on helping golfers. Now, he has the popular training platform Fairway Performance App and a huge following on Instagram.  In this episode, we'll cover: Why you can't ignore core strength. The difference between mobility vs. flexibility. How a proper fitness routine can 10X your mental game.  The dangers of following too many plans on social media.  Why you need to stop setting unrealistic expectations (on or off the golf course).  How a TPI assessment can help you create custom improvement plans to help your golf swing. And a lot more.  WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)  Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%).  Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).  Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  Practice Like a Pro With Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro.   Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible.  Simplify "golf fitness" with my newest book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible.  Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram   Subscribe on YouTube

    55 min
  5. JAN 8

    458: Michael Leonard - Use New Year Motivation to Change Your Golf & Life

    >>NEW BOOK: The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula: Train Smarter. Hit Longer. Play Forever. >>FREE: Golf Offseason Guide Today, I'm excited to share an episode from The Golfing CEO where I was a guest. I met the host, Derek Belch, at the San Diego City Amateur and became fast friends with our love of golf + business. Derek asked some insightful questions to help you learn more about my journey & inspire you to take massive action.  In this episode, we'll cover: Mental game tips to help you win in golf and life.  Why you need to massive action to achieve your goals. How to be "delusional" about your future (in a good way). Michael's leap from the 9-5 to pursuing golf and business. And a lot more.  WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)  Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%).  Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).  Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  Practice Like a Pro With Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro.   Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible.  Simplify "golf fitness" with my newest book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible.  Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram   Subscribe on YouTube

    1h 11m
  6. JAN 6

    457: The 5 Pillars of Golf Performance For Your Best Year Ever

    >>NEW BOOK: The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula: Train Smarter. Hit Longer. Play Forever. >>FREE: Golf Offseason Guide My newest book is out and we're going through it in a deep dive to dominate golf fitness. Not sure how to lift for golf? What about cardio?  Mobility? Nutrition? Speed training?  This episode breaks down the concepts in my book to help you dominate 2026. In this episode, we'll cover: How to simplify golf fitness. The hidden advantage of being more mobile.  Easy habits you can add to make 2026 your best year. The biggest cardio and strength mistakes most golfers make. Why fitness is really about playing longer and avoiding injuries.  And a lot more.  WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)  Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%).  Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).  Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  Practice Like a Pro With Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 75+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro.   Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible.  Simplify "golf fitness" with my newest book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible.  Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram   Subscribe on YouTube

    47 min
  7. JAN 5

    The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula is LIVE!

    >>My new book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula, is live to help you master golf fitness for longer drives, more energy, and avoiding injuries.  If you want to hit the ball farther, avoid injuries, gain stamina, and play your best golf for decades—not just next season—The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula is your roadmap. Written by +2 handicap golfer, 3X author, fitness enthusiast, and performance coach Michael Leonard, this book takes a no-nonsense approach to golf fitness. No gimmicks. No complicated science. Just a proven formula built from years of training, interviewing experts, and applying real results on the course. Whether you feel out of shape, inconsistent late in the round, or stuck at the same distance year after year, improving your fitness is a reliable way to transform your golf game—without changing your swing. Inside, you'll learn how to train like a golfer, move like an athlete, and build a body that supports powerful, consistent golf. What You'll Discover Inside.... Pillar I: Strength Training Build functional strength that translates directly to the golf swing. Learn how to train smarter—not harder—with golf-specific exercises, simple routines, and power-building strategies. Pillar II: Cardio for Golfers Develop endurance that lasts all 18 holes (and beyond). Improve energy, boost conditioning, lower fatigue, and finish rounds strong with cardio methods designed specifically for golf. Pillar III: Peak Performance Habits Unlock mobility, flexibility, recovery, and sleep tactics to help you move pain-free and feel your best. Learn how to warm up properly, prevent injury, and create a body built for long-term performance. Pillar IV: Nail Your Nutrition Fuel your body for power, focus, and consistency. Discover simple golf nutrition strategies, hydration tips, smart supplementation, and easy habits that improve performance on and off the course. Pillar V: Speed Training Learn how to safely increase swing speed using proven drills, overspeed training concepts, and power-building routines. Add yards to your driver without sacrificing accuracy. You'll Also Learn How To: Improve daily energy, focus, and recovery Reduce stiffness, pain, and overuse injuries Add 10–20+ yards through proper speed training Create a personalized golf fitness plan you'll actually follow Build consistency by upgrading sleep and recovery routines Eat for performance, energy, and fat loss—without rigid diets Build golf workouts that increase strength, stamina, and mobility You don't need to train like a bodybuilder. You don't need hours in the gym. And you definitely don't need to overhaul your swing. You need a simple, sustainable fitness system built for golfers. One that helps you hit it farther, feel better, and play your best—season after season. With a proper golf fitness plan, you'll learn how to train for life. Whether you're 18, 38, or 58, this system will help you build golf strength for longer drives, avoid injuries, and have more energy than ever. Whether you're a scratch player or just getting started, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula gives you everything you need to become a stronger, faster, healthier, more consistent golfer. Stop wasting time in the gym or pounding the pavement. Start training like an athlete so you can play golf for decades to come.

    2 min
4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

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.

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