Wicked Smart Golf

Michael Leonard

Welcome to Wicked Smart Golf, the go-to podcast for golfers who want to shoot lower scores and play their best without changing their swing. Hosted by Michael Leonard, a +2 handicap golfer, best-selling author, and founder of Wicked Smart Golf, this show has helped golfers around the world play smarter, more consistent golf with over 1 million downloads and counting. Michael has written over 4 million words on golf, authored four books, and built one of the fastest-growing platforms in the game, all focused on one mission: help you lower your scores without obsessing over your swing. Because the truth is, your swing will never be perfect. But you don't need a perfect swing to break 80, shoot in the 70s, or play the best golf of your life. In this podcast, you'll learn how to master the mental game, play smarter on the course, practice with purpose, and simplify your short game and putting for lower scores. Each episode is designed to give you practical strategies you can actually use, whether you're a beginner or an experienced player trying to reach the next level. You'll also hear from some of the best minds in golf, including top coaches, elite players, sports psychologists, and best-selling authors, sharing insights to help you improve faster and perform under pressure. If you're serious about playing more consistent golf and finally reaching your potential, this podcast is for you. For even more, check out the Wicked Smart Golf book series on Amazon and Audible, where you'll find step-by-step systems to improve every part of your game.

  1. 7 hr ago

    504: Wicked Smart Game Plan - Stats, AI, & a Simple Plan to STOP 3-Putting

    >> Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP and Play Consistent Golf Kevin, a 2.7 handicap golfer from Prince Edward Island, Canada, joins the podcast to discuss his journey from picking up the game in 2017 to shooting a personal best of 68 in 2025. Despite a short playing season, Kevin utilizes technology like Trackman and ChatGPT to analyze his stats, aiming to reach a plus handicap before his first child arrives.   In this episode, you will learn:   How Kevin used ChatGPT to analyze his strokes gained, Trackman data, and scoring averages to identify the "low-hanging fruit" in his game.  Why "choking down" on a standard driver might actually lead to longer, more centered drives than a longer shaft.  A deep dive into why Kevin looks at the hole rather than the ball for long putts and whether this inconsistency is hurting his short-game performance.  Strategies for conquering the 5-handicap level putting Kevin currently experiences from inside 12 feet, including green reading and visualization techniques.  Balancing the "Stack" speed training protocol with gym work and mobility, especially when "feeling sluggish".  Mental hacks for committing to aggressive shots on narrow, tree-lined courses where "guiding the ball" is a recipe for disaster.  The importance of a consistent pre-shot routine, including breathing exercises and finding targets to stay present under pressure START PLAYING WICKED SMART GOLF  Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available) Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  Join the Wicked Smart Golf Newsletter and get 5 FREE practice plans. 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%)  Shot Pattern: The best golf GPS + stat tracking to help you manage your round and make better decisions (20% off w/my link). 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).  Speed Train with HiiTs Driver: Developed by 3X WLD Champion, Fast Eddie, this hittable driver will help you add distance while hitting balls (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%). Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible.  Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible.  Follow Wicked Smart Golf   Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram   Subscribe on YouTube

    1hr 3min
  2. 2 days ago

    503: Wicked Smart Game Plan - From 7 Handicap to Scratch as a New Dad

    >> Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP and Play Consistent Golf Josh, a 33-year-old former college baseball player and new father living in Iowa, joins the podcast to discuss his goal of returning to a scratch handicap after his game drifted to a 7. Despite limited time, Josh has built a high-quality home simulator setup in his garage to practice year-round.  In this episode, you will learn: How Josh utilizes a Bushnell Launch Pro and a garage simulator to maintain his swing while balancing the demands of being a new parent. Why identifying a "wedge matrix" and focusing on scoring from 150 yards and in is the primary focus for lowering his handicap. The impact of internal negative self-talk and strategies for catching and spinning these thoughts into positives in the moment. How to apply the "3P approach" (finding three positives) to reset mentally after a poor shot and avoid lingering frustration. The importance of consistent rehearsal swings at 75-85% effort to align the brain and body before stepping over a shot. Strategies for chunking a round into three-hole segments to maintain focus and manage expectations throughout 18 holes. A comparison of speed training tools like the Rypstick and HITS, and how to integrate them with functional fitness and compound lifting. How to use tools like Rotex for mobility and warming up properly to ensure the body is ready for high-speed swings. START PLAYING WICKED SMART GOLF  Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available) Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  Join the Wicked Smart Golf Newsletter and get 5 FREE practice plans. 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%)  Shot Pattern: The best golf GPS + stat tracking to help you manage your round and make better decisions (20% off w/my link). 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).  Speed Train with HiiTs Driver: Developed by 3X WLD Champion, Fast Eddie, this hittable driver will help you add distance while hitting balls (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%). Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible.  Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible.  Follow Wicked Smart Golf   Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram   Subscribe on YouTube

    57 min
  3. 6 days ago

    Dr. Izzy Justice - How to Easily Train Your Brain for Better Golf (Flashback Friday)

    >> Fill out this short survey to get entered to win all sorts of epic prizes to celebrate 500 episodes.  >>Get the FREE Mental Golf Playbook >>Read Your Brain Swings Every Club Today I'm excited to welcome back Dr. Izzy Justice—a sports neuroscientist, author of 8 books including his latest, Your Brain Swings Every Club. His first time on in 2023 was a game changer as he helped you understand the concepts in GYRA Golf (one of my favorite mental golf books ever).  Dr. Justice has spent over 30 years studying emotional intelligence (EQ) in sports and has trained more than 300 coaches across golf, football, basketball, and endurance sports. He's also a serious athlete himself, having completed over 40 triathlons, including 8 Half Ironmans and 5 full Ironmans. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: Why heads up putting is a bad idea.  How to pick targets from tee to green.  Why you need to digital detox to let your brain relax. The importance of picking targets early in your routine. The practice keys to get your range game to the golf course.  How the process of picking targets actually relaxes your brain.  How highlight videos before bed can help you improve your swing. And so much more.   WICKED SMART GOLF  Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available)   Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.    Join the Wicked Smart Golf Newsletter and get 5 FREE practice plans.   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%)  Shot Pattern: The best golf GPS + stat tracking to help you manage your round and make better decisions (20% off w/my link). 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).  Speed Train with HiiTs Driver: Developed by 3X WLD Champion, Fast Eddie, this hittable driver will help you add distance while hitting balls (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%).   Wicked Smart Golf Books   Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible.    Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible.  Follow Wicked Smart Golf   Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram   Subscribe on YouTube

    1hr 2min
  4. 11 Jun

    502: John Irvine - Golf Gains 101 (Strength, Speed, and Longevity)

    >>Join the Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to lower scores and consistent golf.  >> Fill out this short survey to get entered to win all sorts of epic prizes to celebrate 500 episodes.  Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible.  John Irvine is the founder of Golf Gains Fitness, a leading golf fitness coaching company that helps golfers build stronger, more athletic bodies to increase distance, prevent injuries, and perform at a higher level on the course. A TPI-certified golf fitness coach, John specializes in combining strength training, mobility, nutrition, and performance coaching into practical programs designed specifically for golfers. Through his online coaching, content, and Functional Golf Training™ methodology, he has helped thousands of golfers improve their fitness and translate those gains into lower scores and more enjoyment on the course. In this episode, you will learn: Outdated myths holding golfers back Why your exercises should not look "golfy" The benefits of contrast training to generate speed The difference for in season vs. offseason training How the Golf Gains app can help you simplify training  And a lot more tips.  WICKED SMART GOLF  Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available) Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  Join the Wicked Smart Golf Newsletter and get 5 FREE practice plans. 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%)  Shot Pattern: The best golf GPS + stat tracking to help you manage your round and make better decisions (20% off w/my link). 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).  Speed Train with HiiTs Driver: Developed by 3X WLD Champion, Fast Eddie, this hittable driver will help you add distance while hitting balls (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%). Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible.  Follow Wicked Smart Golf   Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram   Subscribe on YouTube

    55 min
  5. 9 Jun

    501: +5 Handicap Quest (Steal These 7 Strategies To Lower Your Handicap)

    >>Download my FREE guide to add 10+ yards in 60 days >>Shot Pattern: The best golf GPS + stat tracking to help you manage your round and make better decisions (20% off w/my link). Today I'm sharing what I'm doing to become a +5 handicap (watch all the videos on my YouTube channel) and how these strategies can help your game too. In this episode, you will learn: The power of a daily visualization practice A look at my advanced practice routines each month Why you should record your putting stroke in practice How the HiiTs driver and speed training have helped me add 5mph clubhead speed  And more tips to help you play wicked smart golf.  WICKED SMART GOLF  Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available) Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  Join the Wicked Smart Golf Newsletter and get 5 FREE practice plans. 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%)  Shot Pattern: The best golf GPS + stat tracking to help you manage your round and make better decisions (20% off w/my link). 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).  Speed Train with HiiTs Driver: Developed by 3X WLD Champion, Fast Eddie, this hittable driver will help you add distance while hitting balls (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%). Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible.  Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible.  Follow Wicked Smart Golf   Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram   Subscribe on YouTube

    25 min
  6. 4 Jun

    500: 15 Biggest Golf Lessons I've Learned From 500 Episodes + HUGE Promotion

    Fill out this short survey to get entered to win all sorts of epic prizes to celebrate 500 episodes.  Please take this short survey to get entered into the Wicked Smart Golf promotion. I'll be choosing winners for:   1 membership to Wicked Smart Golf Academy Annual Membership ($997 value) 2 memberships to the Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula ($397 value) 3 members to the Pre-Shot Like a Pro Masterclass ($297 value) Not to mention, amazing prizes for top training aids and golf gadgets to play wicked smart, including PrimePutt Putting Mat ShotScope Pro L2 Rangefinder Rypstick Speed Trainer Voice Caddie SC200 Plus Launch Monitor GolfForever Swing Trainer + 1-year subscription 2 Tour Aim Training Aids 2 Shot Pattern App Access for 1 year 2 Back to Basics Pro Path Putting Mirrors Answers MUST be submitted by June 12th at 11:59pm PST to be entered into the promotion. Thanks for supporting Wicked Smart Golf!  >>Fill out the survey now. Today we're celebrating 500 episodes and 15 lessons to help you play wicked smart golf. In this episode, you will learn: How to navigate front pins  The first 3, last 3 mentality  2 powerful questions to ask every round The best way to pick targets in your routine How to get your "coach" and "team" to work together to play your best golf And countless other lessons to help you play wicked smart golf and shoot lower scores WITHOUT swing changes.

    30 min
  7. 2 Jun

    499: How to Prepare for Golf Tournaments Like a Tour Pro

    >>Join the 21 Day Wicked Smart Golf Putting Challenge (join by 6/2 at 11:59pm PST) >>Try Shot Pattern FREE for 7-Days: The best golf GPS + stat tracking to help you manage your round and make better decisions (20% off w/my link) >>Get PuttView Yardage Books Have a tournament coming up but aren't sure how to prepare? Don't worry, as someone who's competed in 400+ tournament days in the past decade, I can help you out. In this episode, you will learn: How to prepare for every event  The most important aspects of a practice round What to do if you can't get a practice round in before the event  Why you need to plan as much as possible before competition  And a crazy story that happened to me after tournament golf.  WICKED SMART GOLF  Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available) Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  Join the Wicked Smart Golf Newsletter and get 5 FREE practice plans. 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%)  Shot Pattern: The best golf GPS + stat tracking to help you manage your round and make better decisions (20% off w/my link). 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).  Speed Train with HiiTs Driver: Developed by 3X WLD Champion, Fast Eddie, this hittable driver will help you add distance while hitting balls (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%). Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible.  Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible.  Follow Wicked Smart Golf   Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram   Subscribe on YouTube

    26 min

About

Welcome to Wicked Smart Golf, the go-to podcast for golfers who want to shoot lower scores and play their best without changing their swing. Hosted by Michael Leonard, a +2 handicap golfer, best-selling author, and founder of Wicked Smart Golf, this show has helped golfers around the world play smarter, more consistent golf with over 1 million downloads and counting. Michael has written over 4 million words on golf, authored four books, and built one of the fastest-growing platforms in the game, all focused on one mission: help you lower your scores without obsessing over your swing. Because the truth is, your swing will never be perfect. But you don't need a perfect swing to break 80, shoot in the 70s, or play the best golf of your life. In this podcast, you'll learn how to master the mental game, play smarter on the course, practice with purpose, and simplify your short game and putting for lower scores. Each episode is designed to give you practical strategies you can actually use, whether you're a beginner or an experienced player trying to reach the next level. You'll also hear from some of the best minds in golf, including top coaches, elite players, sports psychologists, and best-selling authors, sharing insights to help you improve faster and perform under pressure. If you're serious about playing more consistent golf and finally reaching your potential, this podcast is for you. For even more, check out the Wicked Smart Golf book series on Amazon and Audible, where you'll find step-by-step systems to improve every part of your game.

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