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. 1 DAY AGO

    458: 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
  2. 2 DAYS AGO

    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
  3. 5 DAYS AGO

    Billy Troy - How to Upgrade Your Body for Better Golf (Fitness Friday)

    >>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.  Add Distance FAST With RYPSTICK: Use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 20% on the best speed trainer in golf. Download the Wicked Smart Golf Goal Setting Worksheet.  Billy Troy is today's guest - known as the Golf Physio AUS - he's helping golfers dominate fitness, strength, and mobility around the world. With more than 100,000 followers he's helped golfers add speed, increase mobility, train smarter, and play better. In this interview, you will learn: The best warm up routines. The definition of golf fitness. His five pillar approach to improving golf fitness levels. How a plan and assessment tool can help measure your progress.  Understanding the role of mobility and balance for a better golf swing.  How speed training can help you add distance and improve confidence. And a lot more. Grab his free mobility guide, follow him on Instagram, and check out his warmup guide.  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.   Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram   Subscribe on YouTube Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes.  Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently).  Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).

    48 min
  4. 30/12/2025

    456: Why Most Golf Goals Fail and How to Get 2026 Right

    >>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.  Add Distance FAST With RYPSTICK: Use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 20% on the best speed trainer in golf. Download the Wicked Smart Golf Goal Setting Worksheet. 2026 is YOUR year...  The truth is, new year's motivation can transform your life. Not resolutions, but clear goals. In this episode, we'll cover: 3 goal setting mistakes The importance of weekly check ins How to make specific goals to transform your game Why your mind needs clear goals to make them happen My goals from 2025 (and why it's okay if you don't achieve them all every year) Set big goals this year, let's make some magic! 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.   Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram   Subscribe on YouTube Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes.  Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently).  Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).

    32 min
  5. 26/12/2025

    Michael Nordberg - From 17 to 9 HDCP Without Swing Changes (Flashback Friday)

    >>Join DECADE Golf - 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" >>Get my new book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula, on Amazon (Kindle, paperback, or hardcover - Audible will be released soon).  Learn proven strategies to break 80 and play your best golf ever WITHOUT swing changes. Thanks for the support!  Today's guest is a podcast listener and Wicked Smart fan who got to a single digit WITHOUT swing changes. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: Why DECADE Golf is a gamechanger. The power of self-talk to turn the round around. How he finally broke through his "bogey golf" plateau. Why short game is everything in your quest to lower scores.  How Rypstick transformed his driver game from 92 to 111 mph and added 25 yards!  Use this episode as inspiration to play your best golf ever in 2026 and beyond!  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.   Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram   Subscribe on YouTube Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes.  Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently).  Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).

    1h 13m
  6. 23/12/2025

    455: Recapping My 2025 Season (Costs, Wins, & Losses)

    >>Get my new book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula, on Amazon (Kindle, paperback, or hardcover - Audible will be released soon).  Recapping your year is wicked smart approved! Without reviewing the good, bad, and ugly of your year, it's easy to make the same mistakes next year. Today, I'll share more about my 2025 amateur season including costs, winnings, and some lessons. If you're serious about improving, make sure you track your stats to learn strokes gained data about each part of your game. I'll also share some of my big wins to help inspire you to recap your year like a pro.  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.   Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram   Subscribe on YouTube Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes.  Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently).  Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).

    24 min
  7. 18/12/2025

    454: Alyssa Morahan - From D1 College Golfer to Elite Mental Golf Coach

    >>Take the 450th podcast episode player survey to enter into tons of awesome gifts! >>Get my new book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula, today on Amazon (Kindle, paperback, or hardcover - Audible will be released soon).  Today's guest is Alyssa Morahan - a former D1 golfer turned mental game coach.  In this episode, you'll learn: Why your brain is always trying to protect you How to stop "time traveling" and stay present Easy mental game tips that translate to lower scores How to start working on your mindset to enjoy the game more Her journey as a college golfer to mental golf coach and how she's helping players worldwide  Why you need to lean into discomfort on and off the course  Make sure to follow Alyssa on Instagram and check out her website to learn more about coaching.  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.   Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram   Subscribe on YouTube Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes.  Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently).  Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).

    50 min
  8. 16/12/2025

    453: 12 Must-Hear Lessons From 2025 to Dominate Next Year

    >>Take the 450th podcast episode player survey to enter into tons of awesome gifts! >>Get my new book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula (Audible version coming soon).  In this solo episode, I break down the biggest lessons I learned in 2025—from my own tournament season AND from interviewing 100+ of the smartest coaches, players, and experts in golf. These insights changed my game… and they can change yours going into 2026. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your offseason is the #1 predictor of next season's success How fitness became the cheat code for more distance, stamina, and confidence The simple DECADE strategy that helped me hit more greens than ever Why creative wedge practice beats mindless reps The mindset shift that helps you stay calmer and make better decisions How routines make golf feel easier — especially under pressure Press play and take these lessons into your best golf year ever. 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.   Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram   Subscribe on YouTube Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf on Amazon or Audible (ideal for beginner to intermediate golfers who want 111 ways to play better without swing changes.  Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf II on Amazon or Audible (perfect for golfers looking to break 80 consistently).  Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events).

    37 min

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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