In this five-minute Friday episode learn why you shouldn't do triathlons hungover (you'll get the joke) and what to watch for during the Ryder Cup this weekend. GO USA! 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 connec...
Sep 29, 2023•4 min
Tim - a Wicked Smart listener recently emailed me asking, "How do I get in the zone (and stay there more often)?" Which is one of the best mental golf questions... ever! The zone is a mythical thing for so many golfers but chances are you've been in the zone before. The zone or flow state is where great golf happens. The first step to getting in the zone is understanding it. Wikipedia did a great job summing up what is the zone, "The mental state in which a person performing some activity is ful...
Sep 28, 2023•17 min
Golf is more mental than you can imagine. I recently shot my best tournament round ever - 66 (-5) with a rather lackluster front nine even par. But the putter got hot on the back nine for a clutch 31 in a 4-ball tournament. After the round I documented as much as I could remember to help you grab some mental tips to apply to your game. I'm confident that when you apply some (or all) of these tips, you'll play wicked smart and go low! Don't forget, there is SO MUCH more than just working on your ...
Sep 26, 2023•23 min
A bad start (or slow start) does NOT mean you're in for a bad round. Learn how to bounce back quickly in this five-minute Friday episode. 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 Ti...
Sep 22, 2023•4 min
Today's guest is Josh Nichols - the host of The Mental Golf Show podcast and mental golf coach. After years of not playing up to his potential he took the mental game seriously and dove into the world of sports psychology. He's competed at the highest levels of amateur golf which included a runner-up finish at the 2017 U.S. Mid-Am Championship. That year he was also the 2nd ranked player in the WAGR mid-amateur rankings. Today we do a deep dive on all things mental game including: The importance...
Sep 21, 2023•52 min
The camera on your phone can help you improve and shoot lower scores as much as any new golf club. Taking regular swing videos is one of the best practice tools and great for a few reasons which we'll cover today. While it's important to record in practice, don't forget to film on the golf course too. Recording my rounds has helped me fix major issues that only happened on the course, not the range. Remember, progress is sometimes slow in golf and it’s easy to feel like you aren’t making changes...
Sep 19, 2023•10 min
In this episode of five-minute Friday learn what to do when you get off to a hot start... and how to keep going low! 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 Instag...
Sep 15, 2023•4 min
Picking targets is one of the most underrated parts of a good routine and course management. Most golfers think "aim small, miss small" is the only approach but there's a LOT more to it. In fact, aim small miss small might actually get you stressed out and lead to bad shots. Some golfers need to focus on target zones, instead of small targets. In this episode I'll cover the two most common ways to pick targets, how to learn which type is right for you, and how they factor in to a great pre-shot ...
Sep 14, 2023•9 min
Every round of golf can teach you a ton about your game - both good and bad rounds. A few weeks ago I had my best round of the year (68) and went on win the tournament after a 71 on day two. Listen to learn 7 lessons to play your best golf - regardless of handicap - to reach your potential. Mental Resources 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 assessme...
Sep 12, 2023•18 min
Learn why you need to tee it forward in practice to go low and play your best golf! 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 Subscribe on YouTube Buy my g...
Sep 08, 2023•4 min
You don't get to win a lot in golf so this episode was fun to recap my first amateur victory for a multiple day event. I've had a few one day wins over the past few years but this one was special. I'll take you through the highs and lows of the round with some mental game strategies to take your game to the next level. Hopefully it'll give you inspiration to play your best golf and keep pushing to reach your goals. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coachin...
Sep 07, 2023•28 min
Your pre-shot routine (or lack thereof) is costing you strokes every single round. A good routine is your bridge from the range to the course. As Dr. Bob Rotella said, "Your routine is your wingman on the golf course." To play your best you need a routine... but you need to time it right with the correct rituals to make it effective. In this episode you'll learn: The timing of a great routine. How a good routine primes your mind. Why most golfers can't visualize their ideal shot. Why you should ...
Sep 05, 2023•15 min
Learn why you should anticipate some bad things to happen during the round so you can manage expectations and master your mental game for lower scores. 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...
Sep 01, 2023•4 min
Today I'm sharing an episode where I was a guest on T-Time with Tori Totlis. She was a previous guest on this show and shared tons of advice to thrive in tournament golf. Tara and Tori sit down with me to discuss my journey from novice golfer to competitor in US Open qualifiers, college golf and how I rekindled his love for the sport. During our conversation, we shared stories about unforgettable golf vacations, like my family trip to Pebble Beach where I practiced three times a day and managed ...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr 2 min
GYRA Golf is one of my new favorite golf books ever. If you're ready to take your mental game to the next level Dr. Izzy Justice and GYRA Golf is just what you need. I binge read this book in about a day and implemented the tactics immediately. It resulted in one of the best mental game's I've ever had in a tournament and a quality round of golf in 110 degrees. In this episode I'll recap some of the book and share a few tips to help you get your mental game under control including: Why the menta...
Aug 29, 2023•21 min
Learn how your five senses are the keys to your subconscious and getting in the zone to play your best golf. Make sure to read GYRA Golf is you're ready to understand how the mind to unlock your best golf ever. 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-Sh...
Aug 25, 2023•4 min
A recent listener asked, "What is your best piece of golf advice?" Which is a great question because there is a LOT to learn about this great game. Since I couldn't pick one piece in this episode I cover five pieces - one for each pillar of playing "wicked smart golf." The five pillars to play better without swing changes include: Mental Game Mastery Practicing Like a Pro Peaceful Putting Becoming a Wedge Wizard Playing Wicked Smart Golf Use these five tips to take your game to the next level! T...
Aug 24, 2023•13 min
Let me share my experiences in another USGA Mid-Am qualifier to learn how you can play your best under pressure. When you listen you'll learn: The 3 types of tournaments. My leaderboard lurking strategy. What to do after a bad first tee shot. How to stay calm and get in the zone. Why you should enter competitive events (even if you're a beginner). Plus, a new mental golf book that is changing the game called Gyra Golf (I binge read it in a day)... so good! Mental Resources WICKED SMART GOLF MENT...
Aug 22, 2023•21 min
Learn how to trick your mind into executing better golf shots with visualization. This proven technique can help you play with more confidence and give your mind a clear blueprint for each shot you want to hit. Mental Resources 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 ...
Aug 18, 2023•4 min
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...
Aug 17, 2023•1 hr 2 min
How many times have you stood over a shot and thought, "What am I doing?... is this is the right club? What's my target?" To have the most confidence over every shot or putt you need to commit to the shot... but that's easier said than done for a lot of golfers. Today I'll take you through an easy process to make better decisions on the golf course so you stand over every shot with 10X more confidence. Mental Resources WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coa...
Aug 15, 2023•16 min
Learn how a waggle can help you get rid of tension and act as a trigger to play your best golf. 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 Subscribe on Y...
Aug 11, 2023•3 min
Do you hate putting? Do you feel like your flatstick is holding you back from playing your best golf? If so, just know you're not alone. The #1 thing I hear from listeners and subscribers is putting issues. Despite being such a small swing, it still plagues so many golfers. And I've been there myself... so today I want to answer this question and provide 3 PROVEN tips to improve your putting... FAST. When you listen to this episode and apply these principles, you'll be putting out of your mind i...
Aug 10, 2023•13 min
️Check out this "what's in the bag" (WITB) of a +2 handicap. Plus, learn the 5 questions you MUST ask to make sure your equipment is helping, not hurting your golf game. One of the MOST important parts of the game is playing the right equipment. Otherwise, you're just making a hard game even more complicated. When you listen to this episode you'll learn: The importance of shaft weight and flex. Why you need to have the right driver shaft. How a set of combo irons can transform your long game. Mo...
Aug 08, 2023•21 min
Learn the biggest mistake I see most golfers (especially young golfers make) and why it's holding you back from playing your best golf. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES 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 ...
Aug 04, 2023•4 min
Let's continue on day 2 of the San Diego City Championship with this recap of the South Course at Torrey Pines. This was a true roller coaster ride that included a 66-yard hole out eagle, 3 birdies, some pars, too many bogeys, and a few doubles for an eventful 78. While the score wasn't what I wanted it was a fun day on one of the toughest tests of golf. Learn 5 scoring strategies to take your game to the next level (and check out episode 148 for the North Course recap too). WICKED SMART GOLF RE...
Aug 03, 2023•18 min
A few weeks ago I was in San Diego at the magical Torrey Pines for the SD City Championship. The 2-day tournament is hosted at Torrey Pines North and South Course. I learned A LOT and wanted to share some of the biggest scoring takeaways with you and some mental golf tips to take your game to the next level. Today we'll recap day 1 at the North Course where I shot an even par 72. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching 10X your confidence on the greens with the Loo...
Aug 01, 2023•18 min
When you stop trying to make putts you'll make more putts...? Learn why you should focus on your process not the results in this five minute Friday episode. 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 soci...
Jul 28, 2023•5 min
Mastering the mental game is the key to shooting lower scores. In this episode I'm sharing a full podcast when I was a guest on the Fairway Performance Podcast with Shaun Diackhoff. We cover: How to develop a routine My definition of the mental side to golf 3 mistakes amateurs make mentally and ways to address them And a lot more mental game tips. Want to learn more about Shaun? Email him at If you send them to shaun@fairwayperformance.com or direct message me on Instagram If you're looking to i...
Jul 27, 2023•57 min
With golf, it's important to celebrate your wins as much as it to assess your game after the tough rounds. A few months ago I recapped one of my worst rounds ever (episode #116) but this episode is celebrating a huge victory - I qualified for the 80th AZ Open. This was my 4th time trying to qualify and finally got it done. Today I'll recap some of the best lessons I learned to help you play wicked smart under pressure. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coa...
Jul 25, 2023•19 min
