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

250: Why Nerves Make You Leave Putts Short (3 Fixes)

Learn why it's so important to deal with adrenaline so you don't leave putts short. I'll help you with three simple tips to make more putts. WICKED SMART GOLF PUTTING RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching 10X your confidence on the greens with the Look and Shoot Method . Get my FREE guide to become a Clutch Putter . Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Be...

Apr 19, 20245 min

249: Justin Kraft - How to Develop Skills & Avoiding Bad Golf Advice

>>Register for the FREE Mental Golf Training next Tuesday (4/23 at 4pm PST). Justin Kraft (@kraftygolf on IG) has been coaching for over 5 years and has given over 5000 in-person & online lessons and work with golfers of all skill levels. He 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: How he quit banking to go all in on golf. The right way to re...

Apr 18, 20241 hr

248: 10 Masters Lessons/DECADE Recap to Help Jumpstart Your Season

Join DECADE Golf (20% off using the code WICKEDSMART). The Masters is done and we have a lot to learn! Today learn 10 lessons from the Masters + an extensive recap from Scott Fawcett's Decade 2-Part interview. Also, don't forget to listen to my episode on Mark Immelman's podcast, "On the Mark" to learn more about my golf story and playing consistent golf. In this episode, you will learn: Why you need to embrace challenging conditions. How a pre-shot putting routine can help you stop 3-putting. W...

Apr 16, 202421 min

247: Stop Mindlessly Practicing 3-Footers (Do This Instead)

Short putts are crucial, but that doesn't mean you need to practice 3-footers over and over again (sorry Phil). In this 5-minute Friday episode, I share how to practice the short putts more efficiently, based on the episode with Dr. Luke Benoit. WICKED SMART GOLF PUTTING RESOURCES Get my FREE guide to become a Clutch Putter . Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching 10X your confidence on the greens with the Look and Shoot Method . Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTo...

Apr 12, 20244 min

246: Scott Fawcett - The Truth About Doubles and How to Practice Putting

>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Today on Wicked Smart Golf, I'm joined by Scott Fawcett for part 2 of our epic interview. the creator of DECADE Golf. Scott is known as the "moneyball of golf" and uses data to help make decisions easier as his revolutionary course management system is changing the way golf is played. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: More about caddying for Will Zalatoris. Why a double bogey is 6X as bad as bogey. The ...

Apr 11, 202452 min

Michael Leonard featured "On the Mark Podcast"

Hey listeners - Wicked Smart Golf is getting Masters week started out with a bang! I was fortunate enough to be a guest on Mark Immelman's "On the Mark" podcast and it dropped today. When you listen, you will learn: How Wicked Smart Golf was born What it takes to play "consistent" golf Why the mental game is so important on & off the course The worst college tee shot ever and how it shaped my future And a lot more. Make sure to listen to today's episode of On the Mark Podcast. >> Liste...

Apr 11, 20242 min

245: Scott Fawcett - The Power of Routines & Top Mental Tips

>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Also check out Wicked Smart Golf Academy - open for enrollment now! Today on Wicked Smart Golf, I'm joined by Scott Fawcett, the creator of DECADE Golf. Scott is known as the "moneyball of golf" and uses data to help make decisions easier as his revolutionary course management system is changing the way golf is played. I'm a HUGE fan of Decade and recommend it for all my mental golf coaching students. This system has ...

Apr 09, 20241 hr 6 min

244: The Only Driver Practice Drill You Need

Remember, you only need ONE shot shape to play your best golf. Get the Decade Golf 20% discount here (or enter code WICKEDSMART at checkout). And make sure to check out Practice Like a Pro - my FREE video series to practice more efficiently. Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon or Audible (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”) Lastly, don’t for...

Apr 05, 20244 min

REPLAY: Scott Fawcett - How DECADE Golf Leads to Lower Scores FAST

>>Click here to join DECADE Golf with a 20% discount from Wicked Smart Golf. Or use "WICKEDSMART" at checkout to get this epic deal. Today on Wicked Smart Golf I'm joined by Scott Fawcett, the creator of DECADE Golf. Scott is known as the "moneyball of golf" and uses data to help make decisions easier as his revolutionary course management system is changing the way golf is played. DECADE is used by top players like Bryson DeChambeau, Will Zalatoris, and countless other professional golfer...

Apr 04, 20241 hr 6 min

243: Dr. Luke Benoit Recap - 5 Key Takeaways to Lower Your HDCP

Let's recap the epic episode with Dr. Luke Benoit of Rypstick Golf from last week. If you're ready to start speed training with Rypstick make sure to use code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout or click this link to receive 10% off AND a FREE swing analysis from Dr. Luke himself. When you listen to this recap episode, you will learn: The mindset for making swing changes. How foam balls can help you make lasting changes. Why putting is a lot more mental than mechanical and how to practice effectively. Why...

Apr 02, 202420 min

242: Stop Ignoring the Putting Green Before the Round

Learn why you need to spend more time on the putting green before the round to start shooting lower scores and play more consistently. WICKED SMART GOLF PUTTING RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching 10X your confidence on the greens with the Look and Shoot Method . Get my FREE guide to become a Clutch Putter . Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better G...

Mar 29, 20245 min

240: I Shot -5 + 7 Lessons From Full Swing Season 2

Ready to play your best golf? It's time to learn from the pros! In today's episode, I'll share more about seven things you can learn from Full Swing Season 2 on Netflix. As Tony Robbins said, "Success leaves clues " and there's no doubt you can learn from the best players in the world. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: The importance of a strong mental game. Why process is more important than results. The importance of having fun in practice and playing. How to deal with negative ...

Mar 26, 202426 min

239: The Best Practice Routine to Prepare for Pressure

Ever wonder why you're better in practice than when playing under pressure? Answer: lack of competitive practice. Learn an easy way to practice simulating pressure and become clutch under pressure. Make sure to listen to episode 237-238 w/Dr. Nico Darras of Golf Blueprint to learn more about how pros practice and why competitive practice is needed to play better under pressure. WICKED SMART GOLF PRACTICE RESOURCES 10X your confidence on the greens with the Look and Shoot Method . Take your pract...

Mar 22, 20244 min

238: Dr. Nico Darras - The "Golf Blueprint" to Lower Scores (pt. 2/2)

>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Dr. Nico “Doc” Darras is the co-creator of Golf Blueprint. Dr. Nico had never played a full round of golf before the age of 23 and seven years later is a plus handicap and works with some of the best golfers in the world. Not to mention, countless amateurs that are strapped for time but want to practice more efficiently. His story is nothing short of inspiring and extremely valuable. Today is part two of our chat so m...

Mar 21, 202448 min

Announcement: Wicked Smart Golf is on Audible w/Bonus Content

It's official... Wicked Smart Golf: Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing is now live on Audible with 3 hours of BONUS content. I first published the book in May 2022 and have been overwhelmed with the response. The premise is simple - better golf without swing changes. Here's the thing, you don't need a "perfect" swing to break 100, 90, 80 or become a scratch golfer. And in this book, you will learn 111 easy-to-implement strategies inside my five pillar approach th...

Mar 20, 20245 min

237: Dr. Nico Darras - The "Golf Blueprint" to Lower Scores (pt. 1/2)

>>Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using code "WICKEDSMART" at checkout! Dr. Nico “Doc” Darras is the co-creator of Golf Blueprint. Dr. Nico had never played a full round of golf before the age of 23 and seven years later is a plus handicap and works with some of the best golfers in the world. Not to mention, countless amateurs that are strapped for time but want to practice more efficiently. His story is nothing short of inspiring and extremely valuable. Today we talk about a lot of topic...

Mar 19, 202447 min

236: 2 Essential Tips for a Wicked Smart Warm Up

Learn the two most important things to do as part of your pre-round warm up to play wicked smart golf once you're on the course. 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 Foll...

Mar 15, 20243 min

REPLAY: Mike Booker Reveals His Secrets to Tournament Golf

Learn more about the Tournament Golf Formula today. 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 playin...

Mar 14, 202454 min

235: Lou Stagner Recap (5 Lessons) + Giveaway Winners

Today I'm recapping the epic interview with Lou Stagner from last week to make sure you don't miss any of these amazing lessons. Some of the biggest takeaways from the interview included: Why stat tracking is the most important thing all serious golfers can do. The one traditional stat that can help evaluate your play. The mindset for putting both short and long putts. And more. Plus, I'll announce the winners to the 2-year Wicked Smart Golf giveaway too. Resources mentioned in the episode: Pre-...

Mar 12, 202421 min

234: 2 Easy Tips for Lower Scores in 2024

Learn two easy ways to make the most of your 2024 season. Let's make this your best year yet! Start by tracking your stats - Arccos Golf makes it easy to measure each area of your game. And spend more time working on your weaknesses that you can easily identify from regular stat tracking. 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 Typ...

Mar 08, 20244 min

233: Lou Stagner - Use Strokes Gained Data to Play Wicked Smart

Lou Stagner aka the "Golf Stat Pro" is a performance coach, podcast host, and data analyst that can help you make better decisions on the course. He has more than 150,000 followers on Twitter and one of the best guys to follow to learn how stats can transform your game. I've been following him for years and was excited about this interview because tracking your stats can make a huge impact in your game. Stat tracking is something I discussed in-depth in my book and something I suggest for all my...

Mar 07, 202455 min

232: Tour Tempo Recap - 3 Easy Ways to Use the App

Reminder: today is the last day to enter the 2-year Wicked Smart Golf survey (only 5 questions) to get entered into FREE mental golf coaching opportunities. Tour Tempo is the best $25 you can spend on your full swing. After interviewing the creator, Tour Tempo - John Novosel Jr - last week, I wanted to do a recap to learn how tempo can help your game FAST. In this episode, you will learn: Why you need a faster backswing. How I've been using Tour Tempo to swing 114 mph. How the Tour Tempo app can...

Mar 05, 202412 min

231: The Easiest Way to Start Swinging Faster This Weekend

Learn the easiest way to change your game this weekend so you can hit it longer and have more fun in 2024. Also, make sure to fill out this short five question survey to get entered into the Wicked Smart Golf 2-year giveaway for FREE mental golf coaching. I know it sounds too good to be true but I know first hand that the Tour Tempo app can transform your game FAST. Even if you can't make it to the range or simulator, download the app to speed up your tempo and hit it longer than ever. WICKED SM...

Mar 01, 20245 min

230: John Novosel Jr. - How a "Tour Tempo" Can Transform Your Game

Before the interview, make sure to fill out this short five question survey to get entered into the 2-year Wicked Smart Golf giveaway. John Novosel Jr. is today’s guest and one of my favorite interviews as we cover all things tempo. He’s the co-creator of Tour Tempo, author of Tour Tempo Force, and has given thousands of lessons to players of all skill levels - from beginners all the way to major champions. Not to mention, he’s a great player himself and has competed in long drive championships,...

Feb 29, 202448 min

229: I Played TPC Scottsdale Stadium From The Tips + Giveaway

Last week, I got to play TPC Scottsdale Stadium course... with the stadium in full effect. In today's episode, learn five lessons from playing from the PGA Tour tees that can help you play better in competition or playing a bucket list course. Also, this week marks two years since the first episode of Wicked Smart Golf podcast... which means I'm doing a giveaway. Simply fill out this short five question survey and you'll be entered to win: One mental golf coaching call ($175 value) to master you...

Feb 27, 202418 min

228: Don't Forget - Bad Shots Are Part of Golf

No matter how good you get bad shots happen. Learn to manage your expectations and bounce back quickly so you can play better and avoid blowup holes. 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: ...

Feb 23, 20245 min

227: Michael Leonard - 7 Things I Did NOT Do to Become a Scratch Golfer

Today's guest episode is... me (aka Michael Leonard) - the host of Wicked Smart Golf. I'm sharing an episode where I was a guest on T-Time with Tori. She is a fellow AZ golfer + podcaster and we covered what I did NOT do to become a scratch golfer. In this episode you will learn Why the right mindset is so important. Common misconceptions of scratch golf. Why scratch golf is like getting 6-pack abs. Tangible strategies to become a top 5% golfer. The difference between a scratch golfer and a "tru...

Feb 22, 202457 min

REPLAY: How to Create a Pre-Shot Routine Like a Pro

A pre-shot routine is one of the few constants in golf that all good players (pros & ams) have in common and something that you can control. It's also something you can and should develop in the offseason. Here's why... A pre-shot routine will also help you: Stay calm and focused Improve your pace of play Block out negative thoughts Find your target and commit to a shot Take your range game to the golf course But most importantly, it will help you get into the zone. When your pre-shot routin...

Feb 20, 202416 min

226: The Easiest Short Game Tip EVER

Learn the easiest golf tip ever to help you save shots around the green (and make sure you never lose a wedge). 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 S...

Feb 16, 20243 min
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