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

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 ...

Apr 15, 202523 min

387: 5 Powerful Mental Golf Tips + How I Overcame Anger

Get started with DECADE Golf : The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Today I'm recapping my epic interview with Debbie O'Connell and sharing more about my experience working with her in Timeline Therapy. How to recap your rounds. The power of morning routines for a better mindset. The importance of awareness and getting to know yourself. Why you need a "Ringer Round" scorecard to visualize success on the course. How TimeLine Therapy can help you ...

Apr 10, 202534 min

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....

Apr 08, 20251 hr 10 min

385: 7 Game-Changing Lessons from March’s Top Golf Minds

>>Join the Practice Formula now for 50+ printable plans and a 90-minute practice masterclass. Also, don't forget to enter into the Wicked Smart Golf II promotion . March was epic and want to highlight the biggest lessons in case you missed any of these epic interviews. Guest recaps Travis Key: Hydrate for better golf and workout to hit bombs! James Berry: Discipline — practicing when no one is holding you accountable is how you'll improve. Justin Kraft: Blend various types of practice toge...

Apr 03, 202524 min

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 th...

Apr 01, 202538 min

The Practice Formula: How to Practice Like a Pro With 50+ Plans

>>Join the Practice Formula now for 50+ printable plans and a 90-minute practice masterclass. Price increases in one week! Want to finally practice with purpose and actually see results on the golf course? In this episode, I break down the Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula—a proven system built to help you train smarter, lower your scores, and stop wasting time at the range. Whether you have 30 minutes or a full 90-minute session, this formula gives you structured, easy-to-follow plans fo...

Mar 31, 20252 min

383: Justin Kraft - 7 Practice Mistakes Killing Your Scores

>>Join the Practice Formula now for 50+ printable plans and a 90-minute practice masterclass. 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 shou...

Mar 27, 202550 min

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...

Mar 25, 202558 min

REPLAY: Colin Morikawa's Mental Coach Reveals The Secret to Flow State

>>Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy - The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Dr. Rick Sessinghaus is a former professional golfer, director of FlowCode Golf Academy and mental golf coach who's worked with top players including Collin Morikawa. Other achievements and accolades include member of the PGA, a Certified Master Trainer of NLP, and was named Golf Tips Magazine's top 25 instructors in America. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: What is a "flow state." Why flow follows ...

Mar 20, 202555 min

381: How I Shot 68-71 and Won $900 – 10 Lessons for Lower Scores

>> Join DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Every round (especially tournament rounds) allow you to learn a ton. After shooting 68-71, I want to share 10 lessons to help you play better golf fast. When you listen, you will learn: How your stories shape your game. Why driving distance is so important. The mindset to hit clutch shots under pressure. Why you must grind out bogeys to save momentum. How to use awareness to elimina...

Mar 18, 202540 min

380: James Berry Pt. 2 & Wicked Smart Recap

Join DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Enter the Wicked Smart Golf II launch promotion. James Berry is a former professional golfer turned coach and author of The College Golfer . With years of experience competing at a high level and coaching elite players, James shares his insights on what separates high performers from the rest. We dive into the mental game, practice habits, and strategies that help golfers elevate their perfo...

Mar 13, 202540 min

379: James Berry - How to Think, Train & Play Like a High-Performer Pt. 1

Join DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Enter the Wicked Smart Golf II launch promotion. James Berry is a former professional golfer turned coach and author of The College Golfer . With years of experience competing at a high level and coaching elite players, James shares his insights on what separates high performers from the rest. We dive into the mental game, practice habits, and strategies that help golfers elevate their perfo...

Mar 11, 202537 min

Wicked Smart Golf II Is LIVE on Audible + New Launch Promotion!

My new book, Wicked Smart Golf II: The Blueprint to Breaking 80 Consistently is LIVE on Audible as well as Amazon (kindle + paperback + hardcover). Learn proven strategies to break 80 and play your best golf ever WITHOUT swing changes. Thanks so much for the support and encourage you to enter the new promotion. This promotion includes epic gifts like a ButterBlade from RypGolf, two memberships to Mental Golf Type, WhyGolf Putting Thing, and access to Wicked Smart Golf Academy. To enter, you must...

Mar 07, 20255 min

378: Travis Key - Avoiding Dehydration and Golf Fitness Routines

Join DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Today's guest is Travis Key, the CEO of Strokes Gained Golf. He's a fitness addict, avid tournament golfer, and helping golfers avoid dehydration for better performance. After meeting him at the PGA Show, I knew I had to have him on the podcast. When you listen to this interview, you will learn: The importance of dehydration in golf. Getting into tournament golf and tips to perform under pre...

Mar 06, 202552 min

377: 10 Wicked Smart Tips for Better Golf (Feb Recap)

Join DECADE Golf : The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Let's recap February's guest episodes and my own game to help you play wicked smart. When you listen to this episode, you will learn: Why you need to visualize good shots after rounds and between them Two awesome lessons from the oldest PGA Tour rookie ever. Why you should avoid front pins so you can hit more greens in regulation. The mindset needed when you play with better golfers to lear...

Mar 04, 202528 min

376: Alexander Prewitt - From 15 to 5 Handicap in 10 Months

Speed train with RYPSTICK to hit it longer fast - use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%. Today's guest is Alexander Prewitt, a Scottsdale real-estate entrepreneur who's transformed his game in recent years. Despite not picking up a club in high school or college, Alexander’s journey proves that it’s never too late to commit to greatness. His background as a competitive athlete in rugby at the University of Arizona laid the foundation for his relentless drive to excel in golf. In this episode, you w...

Feb 28, 202550 min

375: Alex Huang - The COO of DECADE Shares Priceless Scoring Strategies

Join DECADE Golf and get 20% off using the code "WICKEDSMART" Alex Huang is the COO of DECADE Golf, the revolutionary course management system that’s changing the way golfers approach the game. Alex shares the inside story of how DECADE Golf went from a groundbreaking concept to an essential tool used by some of the best players in the world, including top PGA Tour pros and elite amateurs. We dive deep into the strategies behind DECADE’s success and why course management is often the missing lin...

Feb 25, 202556 min

374: Gary Christian - Playing With Tiger, Mental Game Mastery & Recap

>> Use WHYGOLF Training aids to improve fast (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15% on the best training aids in golf. Today's guest is Gary Christian, a former PGA Tour player, broadcaster, and one of the most insightful minds in golf. Gary’s journey is anything but traditional—born in England, he played college golf at Auburn before grinding his way through the mini-tours and finally earning his PGA Tour card at the age of 40. We dive into his late-blooming career, the mindset needed to cha...

Feb 20, 202547 min

373: Gary Christian - Overcoming the Odds as the Oldest PGA Tour Rookie

>> Use WHYGOLF Training aids to improve fast (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15% on the best training aids in golf. Today's guest is Gary Christian, a former PGA Tour player, broadcaster, and one of the most insightful minds in golf. Gary’s journey is anything but traditional—born in England, he played college golf at Auburn before grinding his way through the mini-tours and finally earning his PGA Tour card at the age of 40. We dive into his late-blooming career, the mindset needed to cha...

Feb 18, 202551 min

372: Justin Klemballa - Why Visualizing Good Shots Improves Your Golf Game

Thanks for everyone who submitted the Wicked Smart Golf II promotion winners... if you didn't win, grab these training aids/speed trainers to improve your game wicked fast. 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%) Justin Klemballa is the director of instruction at Paradise Valley Golf Club in Arizona and top ranked golf co...

Feb 13, 202545 min

371: How Your Self-Image Shapes Your Game + Pebble Beach Caddy Interview

Get started with WHYGOLF Training Aids - the best training aids to help your practice sessions (use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%). Your self-image is the hidden force behind every round you play. Whether you realize it or not, the way you see yourself as a golfer directly impacts your confidence, decision-making, and ability to perform under pressure. If you’ve ever felt stuck at a certain handicap or struggled with consistency, it’s not just about mechanics—it’s about who you believe you are on...

Feb 11, 20251 hr 8 min

370: Distance Unlocked - I Hit 122 MPH Clubhead Speed!

Get Rypstick - The #1 Speed Trainer to Hit Bombs (use code WICKEDSMART to save 10%) Learn how I got to 122 MPH clubhead speed and broke through a plateau so you can start hitting bombs and making golf easier! My new book, Wicked Smart Golf II: The Blueprint to Breaking 80 Consistently is LIVE on Amazon (kindle + paperback + hardcover) and Audible sometime in February. WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products DECADE Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Mental G...

Feb 07, 20256 min

369: Michael Leonard - Developing The Mental Edge for Scratch Golf

Join DECADE Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Also, my new book, Wicked Smart Golf II: The Blueprint to Breaking 80 Consistently is LIVE on Amazon (kindle + paperback + hardcover) and Audible sometime in February. Learn proven strategies to break 80 and play your best golf ever WITHOUT swing changes. Thanks for the support! Enter the WSG2 Launch promotion (must have a Gmail address or send name, email, and proof of purchase to wickedsmartgolf@gmail.com). ...

Feb 06, 20251 hr 1 min

368: 11 Wicked Smart Tips from A Crazy January

Join DECADE Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Also, my new book, Wicked Smart Golf II: The Blueprint to Breaking 80 Consistently is LIVE on Amazon (kindle + paperback + hardcover) and Audible sometime in February. Learn proven strategies to break 80 and play your best golf ever WITHOUT swing changes. Thanks for the support! Enter the WSG2 Launch promotion (must have a Gmail address or send name, email, and proof of purchase to wickedsmartgolf@gmail.com). ...

Feb 04, 202537 min

367: Use this PGA Tour Hack + Promotion Winners for WSG II

Join DECADE Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Also, my new book, Wicked Smart Golf II: The Blueprint to Breaking 80 Consistently is LIVE on Amazon (kindle + paperback + hardcover) and Audible sometime in February. Learn proven strategies to break 80 and play your best golf ever WITHOUT swing changes. Thanks for the support! Enter the WSG2 Launch promotion (must have a Gmail address or send name, email, and proof of purchase to wickedsmartgolf@gmail.com). ...

Jan 31, 20257 min

366: Kevin Dougherty - Think & Hit Drives Like a PGA Tour Player

Join DECADE Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Also, my new book, Wicked Smart Golf II: The Blueprint to Breaking 80 Consistently is LIVE on Amazon (kindle + paperback + hardcover) and Audible sometime in February. Learn proven strategies to break 80 and play your best golf ever WITHOUT swing changes. Thanks for the support! Enter the WSG2 Launch promotion (must have a Gmail address or send name, email, and proof of purchase to wickedsmartgolf@gmail.com). ...

Jan 30, 20251 hr

365: Logan Scott - Manage Stats and Expectations for Lower Scores

Join DECADE Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Also, my new book, Wicked Smart Golf II: The Blueprint to Breaking 80 Consistently is LIVE on Amazon (kindle + paperback + hardcover) and Audible sometime in February. Learn proven strategies to break 80 and play your best golf ever WITHOUT swing changes. Thanks for the support! Enter the WSG2 Launch promotion (must have a Gmail address or send name, email, and proof of purchase to wickedsmartgolf@gmail.com). ...

Jan 28, 202555 min

364: Avoid This Mental Mistake That Ruins Rounds

Join DECADE Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Also, my new book, Wicked Smart Golf II: The Blueprint to Breaking 80 Consistently is LIVE on Amazon (kindle + paperback + hardcover) and Audible sometime in February. Learn proven strategies to break 80 and play your best golf ever WITHOUT swing changes. Thanks for the support! Enter the WSG2 Launch promotion (must have a Gmail address or send name, email, and proof of purchase to wickedsmartgolf@gmail.com). ...

Jan 24, 20256 min

363: Pete Wlodkowski - Amateur Golf Tournaments 101

Join DECADE Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Also, my new book, Wicked Smart Golf II: The Blueprint to Breaking 80 Consistently is LIVE on Amazon (kindle + paperback + hardcover) and Audible sometime in February. Learn proven strategies to break 80 and play your best golf ever WITHOUT swing changes. Thanks for the support! Enter the WSG2 Launch promotion (must have a Gmail address or send name, email, and proof of purchase to wickedsmartgolf@gmail.com). ...

Jan 23, 202555 min

362: Michael Leonard - Q-School, Offseason Hacks, and Post Round Rituals

Join DECADE Golf - The #1 Course Management System (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Also, my new book, Wicked Smart Golf II: The Blueprint to Breaking 80 Consistently is LIVE on Amazon (kindle + paperback + hardcover) and Audible sometime in February. Learn proven strategies to break 80 and play your best golf ever WITHOUT swing changes. Thanks for the support! Enter the WSG2 Launch promotion (must have a Gmail address or send name, email, and proof of purchase to wickedsmartgolf@gmail.com). ...

Jan 21, 20251 hr 4 min
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