Wicked Smart Golf
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.
416: Avoid These 10 Driving Range Mistakes ASAP
>>Get Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula to never waste time in practice again.  >>Get Voice Caddie Launch Monitors 15% off w/code WICKEDSMART.  SC200: The easiest to use launch monitor, no app needed. SC300i: An upgrade with access to more data using the Voice Caddie app.  SC4 Pro: Even more data and simulation to help you practice like a pro. In this episode, you'll learn how to avoid the most common driving range mistakes so you can improve faster. In this episode, you will learn: Why you need to approach the range like the gym. Easy to use training aids that can help your golf swing.  How you can get your range game to the golf course with a proven mental hack.  The importance of having a home base practice to focus on fundamentals and avoid bad habits.  Mentioned in this episode: WhyGolf Alignment Mirror iRange Sports Stick (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%) FREE Pre-Shot Routine Checklist so you can dial in your process.  WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)  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%).  HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).  Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  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).
Aug 5
24 min
415: Patrick Sebastien - From MMA to Elite Mental Game Coaching
>>Get Voice Caddie Launch Monitors 15% off w/code WICKEDSMART.  SC200: The easiest to use launch monitor, no app needed. SC300i: An upgrade with access to more data using the Voice Caddie app.  SC4: Even more data and simulation to help you practice like a pro. >>Get the top 10 podcast episodes now (FREE guide).  Today's guest is Patrick Sebastien—a high-performance coach with one of the most unique backgrounds in the world of golf. For over 15 years, he coached elite-level fighters in Muay Thai and MMA, specializing in the mental and physical demands of combat sports. His time living and training in Costa Rica, paired with a deep exploration of meditation and mindfulness, reshaped his understanding of peak performance and mental discipline. He's partnered with top Canadian instructor Steve Foisy, coached elite players (including ones on the Korn Ferry Tour) and brought his martial arts mindset into the world of golf. In this episode, we cover: The right way to start meditating. What he learned working with the pros.  Why stress isn't bad if you can control it.  How the role of fitness leads to better golf. Why breath training can help you lean into peak performance.  An easy way to get out of off course stress when it comes up on the golf course.  Make sure to follow Patrick on Instagram and check his website to learn more. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)  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%).  HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).  Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  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).
Jul 31
1 hr 7 min
414: How to Become Your Own Putting Coach
>>Use HackMotion to improve your ballstriking + putting! My code "WICKEDSMART" saves you 5%! >>Get the FREE putting routine checklist.  Is your putting holding you back? If so, this episode will help you out by teaching you how to become your own putting coach. We'll cover: The mindset of elite putters The one tool to analyze your stroke The power of asking better questions Why you need a consistent pre-shot process And a lot more. These putting tools will help your game: iRange Sports - Use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%  PrimePutt Mats - Use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%  WhyGolf Putting Thing - My favorite putting aid Read my favorite putting aids blog post. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)  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%).  Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  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).
Jul 29
18 min
413: Grace Charis - From #1 Golf Content Creator to Competitor
Ready to play in tournament? These resources can help: >>Read or listen to Wicked Smart Golf III on Amazon or Audible (best for players wanting to dominate competitive events). >>Get my FREE Tournament Golf Checklist >>JOIN DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Today's guest is Grace Charis... in just a few years, she has built an enormous global audience of more than 6,000,000 followers. Now, she's switched directions from influencer to tournament golfer, even competing in a LET professional event.  In this episode,  We talk about her journey into golf since 2021.  Easy tips to help you play better in tournaments.  What it's like to play tournament golf with the pros.  How she became a scratch golfer in a few short years. How she handles the pressure and criticism that comes with the spotlight, and her big goals for the future. Make sure to follow Grace on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube to follow her journey.   WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)  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%).  HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).  Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  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). 
Jul 24
42 min
412: Three Tournaments - The Good, Bad, and Ugly (Golf is Hard)
Get RYPSTICK: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Tournament golf is a battle and in today's episode I share the good, bad, and ugly from my three recent events. This includes a one-day pro golf qualifier, a 3-day event at Torrey Pines, and the Stroke Play Championship in Arizona. In this episode, you'll learn: Why it's so important to add distance. The mindset you need for competitive golf. How to use the 3P approach after you hit a bad shot. The importance of targets when hitting putts inside 10 feet.  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%). 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%).  HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).  Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  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).
Jul 22
34 min
411: Ben Kolde - Journey to Scratch Golf & Confidence in Competition
>>Get Rypstick The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)  Today's guest is Ben Kolde - golf content creator and scratch golfer. He's getting into tournament golf and share some mental golf coaching tips to take his game to the next level.  In this episode, you will learn: Easy course management tips. The power of pre-shot routines.  What it takes to get to scratch golf.  How to get comfortable in competition.  The power of post-round recaps to improve.  Why a mini driver can help your tee box selection. Why it's important to mentally rehearse your shot in the routine.  Follow Ben on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube.  WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). 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%).  Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  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).
Jul 17
1 hr 10 min
410: The Mental Hack Elite Putters Use (That You Can Too)
>>Get HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).  >>Get the FREE putting routine checklist to dial in your routine.  In this episode, I break down the missing mental link that separates elite putters from everyone else: a consistent, confident putting routine. I’ll share my proven 7-step process to create your own routine — one that keeps you calm, focused, and clutch when it counts. From mindset, to setup, to post-putt reset, you’ll learn how to take control of your putting and finally start rolling it like a pro. Whether you’re trying to break 80 or just want to stop three-putting, this episode will help you master the mental side of putting and sink more putts under pressure. Why most putting mistakes come from mental breakdowns, not mechanic The role of confidence and self-talk in becoming a great putter Different rehearsal stroke styles (and which might suit you best) Why spending less time over the ball leads to better results How to reset after a miss and avoid letting one bad putt ruin your round WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)  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%).  Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  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).
Jul 15
23 min
409: Trevor Jones: Exposing and Overcoming the YIPS
>>Master Swing Changes With HackMotion >>Read the HackMotion review >>Get my FREE Putting Routine Checklist Today, I’m excited to welcome Trevor Jones — a golf performance coach and ACT specialist who’s helping players master the mental game. Trevor works with golfers of all levels to help them play with more confidence, stay present, and unlock their potential through Acceptance & Commitment Therapy — a proven psychological approach that teaches athletes how to manage thoughts, emotions, and focus under pressure. In this episode, we dive into The TRUTH about the yips What ACT is and how it applies to golf Why mastering your mental game is just as important as your mechanics. Trevor shares stories from working with competitive players, practical exercises you can use right away, and how to approach the game with more clarity and composure. If you’re serious about playing your best golf — especially when it matters most — you’re going to love this conversation. Check out his website here.  WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)  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%).  HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).  Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  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).
Jul 10
1 hr 13 min
408: The Wicked Smart Mailbag - 15 Questions From You
>>Get HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Today I'm answering podcast listener questions from the 400th episode survey. There were so many great ones and wanted to give you raw and real answers to improve your golf (& mental game).  In this episode, you'll learn: How to get out of a driver slump Mental tips for a better short game The easiest way to get dialed on every shot  The importance of equipment across all handicaps  A new training aid that can help you make swing changes stick 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%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)  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%).  HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).  Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  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).
Jul 8
37 min
407: Want Lower Scores FAST? These 10 Lessons Will Help
Get 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%).  In this June recap you'll learn tons of ways to play better golf without swing changes, including:  The best way to warm up pre-round How to easily overcome negative thoughts mid-round Why you need to be very careful about labeling yourself How choosing your target early (and reviewing often) can help you make more committed swings.  And a lot more.  >>Read Your Brain Swings Every Club by Dr. Izzy Justice  WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)  HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).  Wicked Smart Golf Academy: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf.  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).
Jul 3
28 min
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