Wicked Smart Golf

Michael Leonard
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.

  1. 1D AGO

    388: Masters Recap - Lessons from the Legendary Tournament

    Grab my pre-shot routine checklist (100% FREE).  Submit your questions for Scott Fawcett's upcoming interview later this month here (or email me, michael@wickedsmartgolf.com) Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 50+ Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro.   The Masters is over and Rory got the win (barely). I'm stoked to see him persevere and his emotions on the final hole said it all. Even if you aren't playing in the Masters, you can learn from the best golfers in the world. In this Wicked Smart Golf recap, you'll learn 10 easy tips to play better without swing changes, including: Why you must play your game. The importance of never giving up.  How the 10% rule can help you improve your lag putting. The art of the bounceback after Nick Dunlap went 90-71.  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 10%)  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

    23 min
  2. APR 8

    386: Debbie O'Connell - Build Unshakeable Confidence in Golf & Life

    >>Join Mental Golf Type: The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%).  Today’s guest is someone who lives and breathes positivity—on and off the golf course. I’m thrilled to welcome Debbie O’Connell, the founder of Golf Positive, to the show. Debbie is a PGA professional, speaker, author, and one of the most inspiring voices in the world of golf. She’s dedicated her career to helping players build confidence, develop a winning mindset, and bring more joy into the game. Her approach is rooted in the belief that your attitude can be your greatest asset—not just in golf, but in life. She’s been named LPGA National Professional of the Year, featured in Golf Digest’s Top 50 Women Teachers, and runs powerful coaching programs, retreats, and trainings for golfers of all levels.  When you listen to this episode, you will learn: Step one in changing your mindset fast. Why your brain loves and needs routines. Easy mindset hacks to master your mental game. How to shift beliefs by reprogramming your subconscious. How Timeline Therapy can help you break past limiting beliefs. Learn more about Debbie's programs, trips, and working together on her website.  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 10%)  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

    1h 10m
  3. APR 1

    384: 70-77-75 - A Deep Dive into My Strokes Gained and Strategy

    >>Join the Practice Formula now for 50+ printable plans and a 90-minute practice masterclass. March Madness for Wicked Smart Golf has come to a close and want to share my lessons from a recent tournament. The AGA Championship at Aguila was filled with lots of wins and a few key learning moments. I shot 70, 77, and 75 to make the cut, but not good enough to finish in the top 20 (always a goal for our "majors" in Arizona).  When you listen to this episode, you will learn: The importance of the six three's mindset. Why you should lean in when you're playing well.  How to manage your mind and expectations during the round.  Why it's so crucial to think about pin location and carry distance in your pre-shot routine. And a lot more tips. Whether you play in tournaments or not, you'll have tons of strategies to shoot lower scores without swing changes.  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 10%)  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

    38 min
  4. MAR 27

    383: Justin Kraft - 7 Practice Mistakes Killing Your Scores

    >>Join the Practice Formula now for 50+ printable plans and a 90-minute practice masterclass. Price increases in one week! Justin Kraft (@kraftygolf on IG) is back for part two. he has been coaching for over six years and has given over 7,000 in-person & online lessons and work with golfers of all skill levels.   Justin played in college, is the Director of Instructor at Spring Hill GC in MN, rated Best Golf Teacher by Golf Digest, and also TPI Certified. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: Why you should blend block and variable practice. The importance of practicing without feedback. How not checking alignment can kill your fundamentals. Why you should stop just doing block practice and how to incorporate others. And a lot more practice tips. Make sure to follow Justin on Instagram and reach out if you're in MN to check out his new indoor practice facility, Krafty Golf Studios.  WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products 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 10%)  Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  Mental Golf Type: The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%).  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.

    50 min
  5. MAR 25

    382: Brittany Fan - Pro Golf Secrets to Play Better Under Pressure

    >>Make sure to join DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). I’m joined by pro golfer Brittany Fan. With years of competitive experience under her belt, she shares invaluable wisdom about tournament preparation, smart practice routines, and managing the mental highs and lows of the game. Whether you’re gearing up for a club championship or just want to play better under pressure, this conversation will help you play smarter, beat nerves, and show up prepared when it matters most. When you listen to this episode, you will learn:  How to level up in tournaments through preparation and mindset The hidden costs of tournament golf Practice strategies that actually lead to better scoring How automatic routines help you perform under pressure Managing expectations and avoiding mental traps on the course Why tracking stats is essential to long-term improvement And a lot more. If you’re serious about tournament golf—or just want to train and think like a high-level player—this episode is a must-listen. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products 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 10%)  Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  Mental Golf Type: The Best Mental Game Training (use code WICKEDSMART to save 25%).  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.

    58 min
5
out of 5
102 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 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.

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