Wicked Smart Golf - podcast cover

Wicked Smart Golf

Michael Leonardsites.libsyn.com
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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Episodes

144: Steal This Trick to Stay Calm Under Pressure

Learn the only thing to think about when you're nervous and want to perform your best under pressure. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE). Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro . Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscrib...

Jul 21, 20233 min

REPLAY: Camden Nierman - How Clubfitting Can Change Your Game

Your equipment can make golf a lot harder... or, a lot easier. It's such an important topic that I dedicated an entire chapter of my book to stress the importance of playing the right clubs. Your clubheads, shafts, and even grips play a big role in helping you shoot your lowest scores (without swing changes). After getting fit for a new PXG hybrid I had to bring on my friend and fitter Camden Nierman. He fit me for a new 17* 2H PXG club and it's been one of my favorite clubs ever. Plus, a new se...

Jul 20, 202328 min

143: How to Gain 10X Confidence With Wedges

To gain confidence with wedges you need a wedge distance chart. With wedges, you want to have at least two “stock” distances. Because a lot of shots you’ll face on the golf course aren’t a full number—even if you gap your wedges three to four degrees apart. Often, the distance is between a pitching and gap or gap wedge and sand wedge. That’s why you need to have multiple distances for each wedge. When you have two stock distances with each wedge, things get lost easier in the scoring zone. One i...

Jul 18, 202310 min

142: Embrace the Suck to Shoot Lower Scores

Learn how to "embrace the suck" during a round of golf to upgrade your mental game and play better than ever. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice Like a Pro . Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro . Learn how to shoot lower scores every round (no swing changes): Score Like a Scratch Golfer . Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: ...

Jul 14, 20234 min

141: Tori Totlis - How to Thrive in Tournament Golf

If you haven't signed up for a golf tournament yet, I know this interview with Tori Totlis will inspire you to do so. Tori is a fellow amateur golfer in Arizona who was the AGA 2022 Player of the Year! She's also the host of T-Time with Tori and founder of Complete Confidence Golf. In our episode today we talk about: Her inspiring golf journey. Why you need a practice plan. How to overcome "tournament trauma." How she's helping grow the game for women. The mindset needed to thrive in competitive...

Jul 13, 202346 min

140: 5 Mental Hacks to Become an Elite Golfer

Ready to play better under pressure and become a tournament golfer? I got you covered today as I'll break down one of the best golf books I've read - The Tournament Golfer's Playbook by Mike Booker. In episode 125 I got to interview Mike on the show and wanted to share more from his book. When you listen you'll learn: How to stay present and play your best. How to stay positive in tough situations. Why you should stop trying to make putts. The importance of a pre-shot routine in golf. Why you ne...

Jul 11, 202315 min

139: Stop Making This Pre-Round Mistake

Stop making this pre-round mistake so you can play better every single round! WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice Like a Pro . Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro . Learn how to shoot lower scores every round (no swing changes): Score Like a Scratch Golfer . Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Insta...

Jul 07, 20235 min

138: Shaun Diackhoff - Speed Training, Golf Workouts, and Recovery

Shaun Diackhoff is back on Wicked Smart Golf (he was a guest on episode #77 as well) to share more fitness hacks to help you play better golf. Don't forget, taking care of your body is one of the most important parts of playing your best golf. A strong body will help you avoid injuries, increase distance, and hopefully chase the ball around for the rest of your life. In this episode we discuss: Is speed training safe? Should you speed train year round? How to recover from golf and workouts. What...

Jul 06, 202351 min

REPLAY: 2 Ways to Increase Swing Speed FAST

Speed is KING in golf. Don't get me wrong, short game (specifically putting) is imperative to great golf but you need distance too. For every extra MPH of swing speed you create with a driver equals 3 more yards of total distance. If you add 5-10 MPH to your driver swing in the offseason that 15 to 30 yards more distance. How much easier would every par 4 or 5 be if you were that much closer to the green? A longer drive means shorter approach shots and typically lower scores. Plus, who doesn't l...

Jul 04, 202316 min

137: An Easy Trick to Drop Bad Golf Habits

Use this easy mental hack to shoot lower scores every round and drop bad habits fast. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice Like a Pro . Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro . Learn how to shoot lower scores every round (no swing changes): Score Like a Scratch Golfer . Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow ...

Jun 30, 20234 min

136: Paddy Shea - 30 Years as a "Golfpreneur"

Use the code WICKEDSMARTGOLF for 25% off on Upside Golf products. Paddy Shea is a golf industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience. He's the CEO/Founder of Upside Golf , previous develop for Zepp Labs, worked with top PGA coaches, and founded GoZone games. And a lot more in the past three decades - which we cover in this episode. When you listen you'll learn how Paddy: Got his start in the golf world. About his 30 years in the golf industry. What it's like developing best-selling golf...

Jun 29, 202350 min

135: 5 Golf Course Management Mistakes to Avoid

Learn five of the biggest golf course management mistakes to avoid so you can play better every single round. How to Start Playing Wicked Smart Golf Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice Like a Pro . Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro . Learn how to shoot lower scores every round (no swing changes): Score Like a Scratch Golfer . Also, don’t forget to connect on soc...

Jun 26, 202314 min

134: Quit Making This Pre-Shot Mistake

Learn the biggest mistake that most golfers make during their pre-shot routine to play better golf without swing changes. How to Start Playing Wicked Smart Golf Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice Like a Pro . Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro . Learn how to shoot lower scores every round (no swing changes): Score Like a Scratch Golfer . Also, don’t forget to co...

Jun 23, 20234 min

133: Q&A: When Should I Play in Tournaments?

Learn when is the "right time" to start playing in golf tournaments so you can take your game to the next level. How to Start Playing Wicked Smart Golf Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice Like a Pro . Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro . Learn how to shoot lower scores every round (no swing changes): Score Like a Scratch Golfer . Also, don’t forget to connect on ...

Jun 22, 202310 min

132: 5 Ways to Play Like the Pros (US Open Recap)

Congrats to Wyndham Clark on an epic US Open victory. While I thought the golf course had a lot of room to improve, there's a ton you can learn from the best players in the world. Use these seven lessons to play better golf without swing changes. 2023 Us Open Recap - 7 Lessons to Play Better Fast 1. Reset Expectations The PGA Tour is a lie - here's what I mean. Rory hit several drives over 388 yards. Don't get me wrong, he's long but not that long! Those fairways were too wide and rock hard, ver...

Jun 20, 202316 min

2023 US OPEN Rant - WTF is Happening?

I LOVE the US Open but this tournament has felt like a major let down for fans - both at the event and on TV. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice Like a Pro . Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro . Learn how to shoot lower scores every round (no swing changes): Score Like a Scratch Golfer . Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: ...

Jun 18, 20237 min

131: Stop Trying to Steer Your Driver - Do This Instead

Stop steering your driver and use this 5-minute Friday episode to hit more fairways. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice Like a Pro . Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro . Learn how to shoot lower scores every round (no swing changes): Score Like a Scratch Golfer . Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow o...

Jun 16, 20234 min

130: Q&A - How Do I Bounce Back after a Bad Hole?

Bad shots (and bad holes) suck... but they're part of golf. Do you let a bad hole or stretch of holes define you? Or, do you fight through it and salvage the round? After a horrific front 9 in my latest tournament, I bounced back with eight shots better on the back nine. How? By using these seven strategies which we'll cover in the podcast: 1. Stay present and don't let your mind wander 2. Commit 100% effort on the next shot (including your pre-shot routine). All it takes is one good swing to ge...

Jun 15, 202316 min

129: 7 Wicked Smart Father's Day Golf Gift Ideas

Not all golf gifts are created equal! Show your dad some love this Father's Day by getting him an epic golf gift. After being a golf writer for 5+ years and trying out tons of gadgets, training aids, and accessories I wanted to give you my top picks. These seven gifts are all available on Amazon and sure to help him play "wicked smart golf." ' 1) Golf Forever Swing Trainer If you watched "Full Swing" on Netflix, chances are you saw the PGA players using this device. It's a great swing trainer + ...

Jun 13, 202313 min

128: The ONE Question You Need to Escape Fairway Bunkers

Learn the ONE question you need to ask when you're in fairway bunkers to save shots every round. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice Like a Pro . Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro . Learn how to shoot lower scores every round (no swing changes): Score Like a Scratch Golfer . Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on Tik...

Jun 09, 20234 min

REPLAY: Colton Kalkanis on Speed Training + Dispelling Distance Myths

Colton Kalkanis is a former pro golfer, fitness coach for men over 35, and now a professional long driver. He finished second in the 2022 World Long Drive amateur championship and has big goals for this year. In this episode we cover everything from his time as a pro golfer, speed training, and his life as a long driver. Plus, we cover: His new brand deal for 2023 How he get to 140+ mph clubhead speed What the pressure of Q-school is really like How the everyday golfer can benefit from speed tra...

Jun 08, 202357 min

127: Recapping a Bogey Free Tournament Round (5 Lessons)

After recapping one of my worst rounds a few weeks ago it's time to recap one of my best rounds - a bogey free 69 in a tournament. In this episode you'll learn five tips to help you play better without swing changes for lower scores. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice Like a Pro . Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro . Learn how to shoo...

Jun 06, 202315 min

126: Putt Like Your Personality - Drain More Putts Instantly

Learn how to putt like your personality type (following the Mental Golf Type system) to make more putts! WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE). Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro . Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subsc...

Jun 02, 20235 min

125: Mike Booker Reveals His Secrets to Tournament Golf

Tournament golf is NOTHING like a normal round of golf with your friends. The journey from an amateur player to a skilled tournament golfer is often paved with challenges, dedication, and strategic insights. If you want to compete at the highest level, Mike Booker's book, "The Tournament Golfer's Playbook," has emerged as a guiding light. After reading it I instantly reached out to get Mike on the podcast. Despite being a golf writer and playing in hundreds of days of tournaments myself I learne...

Jun 01, 202353 min

124: Why Laying Up is a Losing Strategy

Laying up is a LOSING strategy - despite being sage advice. Simply put, when you hit it closer to the green you give yourself shorter putts & shoot lower scores. As mentioned in this Golf.com article , "There’s no range — for any skill level — where laying up to a favorite number, club or any other “favorite” makes mathematical sense if your other option is to send your next shot farther up the fairway (even if it ends up in light rough). The rub is that most golfers, especially weekend play...

May 30, 202311 min

123: Use this Insanely Easy Rubberband Hack to Stay Focused

I don't know about you, but my mind loves to wander on the golf course. While meditation and other mindfulness techniques have helped, it’s still something I must focus on during the round. To play your best golf, you need to put a leash on your mind (metaphorically speaking) so you can focus on one thing only— the present moment. You will never play your best golf if you dwell on bad shots you hit earlier in the day or get anxious about upcoming shots in the current round. As Dr. Joseph Parent ...

May 26, 20234 min

122: Q&A: How Do I Score More Consistently? (5 Easy Tips)

Golf is about score... NOT having a perfect swing. I say this from years of being an average ball striker - you can shoot in the 70s and even become a scratch golfer WITHOUT having the best mechanics. In golf, it's important to remember that scoring is the essence of the game, not just achieving a perfect swing. While we often strive for flawless form, it is the ability to score well that truly matters. Your performance on the course is determined by how strategically you navigate it and make ef...

May 25, 202320 min

121: 5 Lessons from the PGA Championship to Play Like a Pro

The PGA Championship is over but there's a lot to break down. While Brooks walked away with another major (impressive after the Masters meltdown last month) - Michael Block also stole the show as the low club pro. But there's a lot you can learn from watching the best golfers in the world. So let's recap the PGA Championship and go over five lessons you can apply to your game to play wicked smart golf. When you listen you will learn: Why you should speed up your routine The mindset to going low ...

May 23, 202318 min

120: STOP Thinking About Your Score - Here's Why

Learn the easiest way to shoot lower scores without changing your swing using this simple hack. Here's how Wicked Smart Golf can help you: Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching 10X your confidence on the greens with the Look and Shoot Method . Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice Like a Pro . Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro . Learn how to shoot lower scores every round (no swing changes): Score Lik...

May 19, 20233 min

119: John Weir - Use Your Mind to Unlock Your True Golf Potential

Golf is a game played between your ears more than you realize. But if you're like most golfers you might overwhelmed with all the mental golf advice out there. So I brought back John Weir, the creator of Mental Golf Type, to help you understand how to use your mind to shoot lower scores. John has a unique understanding of the mind as a professional caddy, author, hypnotist, and peak performance specialist. He's helped my game tremendously and his first appearance on the show (episode #62) is a t...

May 18, 20231 hr 1 min
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