Wicked Smart Golf cover art

Wicked Smart Golf

Wicked Smart Golf

Written by: Michael Leonard
Listen for free

Welcome to Wicked Smart Golf, the go-to podcast for golfers who want to shoot lower scores and play their best without changing their swing. Hosted by Michael Leonard, a +2 handicap golfer, best-selling author, and founder of Wicked Smart Golf, this show has helped golfers around the world play smarter, more consistent golf with over 2 million downloads and counting. Michael has written over 4 million words on golf, authored four books, and built one of the fastest-growing platforms in the game, all focused on one mission: help you lower your scores without obsessing over your swing. Because the truth is, your swing will never be perfect. But you don't need a perfect swing to break 80, shoot in the 70s, or play the best golf of your life. In this podcast, you'll learn how to master the mental game, play smarter on the course, practice with purpose, and simplify your short game and putting for lower scores. Each episode is designed to give you practical strategies you can actually use, whether you're a beginner or an experienced player trying to reach the next level. You'll also hear from some of the best minds in golf, including top coaches, elite players, sports psychologists, and best-selling authors, sharing insights to help you improve faster and perform under pressure. If you're serious about playing more consistent golf and finally reaching your potential, this podcast is for you. For even more, check out the Wicked Smart Golf book series on Amazon and Audible, where you'll find step-by-step systems to improve every part of your game.2026 Golf
Episodes
  • 535: Jared Tendler Gave Me a Mental Game Lesson Pt 2. (The Zone, Focus, & Scar Tissue)

    535: Jared Tendler Gave Me a Mental Game Lesson Pt 2. (The Zone, Focus, & Scar Tissue)
    Oct 8 2026
    >>Read Jared Tendler's book, Everyday Golf Psychology >>Read the Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible. Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible. LEARN THE WICKED SMART GOLF SYSTEM Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available) Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: Proven paths to break 90, break 80, and crush competitive golf (no swing changes required) Join the Wicked Smart Golf Newsletter and get 5 FREE practice plans. Recommended Products Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Shot Pattern: The best golf GPS + stat tracking to help you manage your round and make better decisions (20% off w/my link). Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Master Mobility & Flexibility with 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%). Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Speed Train with HiiTs Driver: Developed by 3X WLD Champion, Fast Eddie, this hittable driver will help you add distance while hitting balls (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%). In this episode, mental golf coach Jared Tendler joins host Michael Leonard for a second mental coaching session to discuss Michael's recent tournament progress and map out strategies for elevating his mental game. The session dives deep beneath the surface of performance to discuss accessing "the zone," managing energy, and conquering past mental scars. You will gain valuable insights on how to channel optimal focus, align self-image with performance, and navigate unexpected obstacles with poise. We'll cover: Progress Beyond the Scoreboard: The episode highlights how mental resilience and maintaining composure during chaotic days—such as dealing with flat tires, bad weather, or missing cuts—serve as crucial indicators of growth.Intentional Clarity vs. Forcing Outcomes: The conversation distinguishes between beneficial focus (clarity of intent and athletic response) and detrimental intensity (trying too hard to steamroll or force a result).Energy as the Driver of "The Zone": The coach breaks down how entering and sustaining peak performance states requires the right balance and quality of physical, emotional, and motivational energy.Aligning Self-Image with Achievement: Michael explores how off-course reflections, journaling, and owning past accomplishments eliminate self-doubt and prevent performance surprises when shooting low scores.Disconnecting from Past Scar Tissue: A tactical approach is shared for overcoming sudden intrusive memories of past bad shots by explicitly calling them out as outdated and refocusing on the current execution process.Creating Personal Momentum in Suboptimal Settings: Strategies are discussed for staying engaged and finding joy during long or quiet rounds, such as walking instead of driving carts or taking time to process shots without overthinking. And more mental golf tips. Follow Wicked Smart Golf Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • 534: 7 Warm Up Mistakes Winners Avoid At All Costs

    534: 7 Warm Up Mistakes Winners Avoid At All Costs
    Oct 6 2026

    >>Master Mobility & Flexibility with GolfForever: 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%).

    >>Simplify Golf Fitness at Home with Dynamic Golfers: Follow no-equipment, at home routines for pre-round and to improve mobility (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%)

    7-Day FREE Shot Pattern Trial: The best golf GPS + stat tracking to help you manage your round and make better decisions (20% off w/my link).

    Most golfers think their round starts when they hit their opening tee shot—but your performance is often influenced by what you do in the 60 minutes before you tee off.

    In this episode, I'm breaking down 7 common pre-round mistakes that can cost you shots before the round even begins.

    I'll also share the pre-round strategies I use in tournament golf to activate my body, prepare my mind, build confidence, and make the first tee feel like just another shot.

    In this episode, you'll learn:
    • Why you need to activate your body before hitting balls
    • Why arriving early makes it much easier to prepare without feeling rushed.
    • How to use your car ride to get mentally ready instead of scrolling, stressing, or thinking about your swing.
    • Why most golfers have a pathetic putting warm-up and how to make those final minutes more productive.
    • How planning your opening holes can eliminate unnecessary decisions and uncertainty.
    • Why score goals can create unnecessary pressure before you've even hit a shot

    The goal isn't to find your golf swing 20 minutes before your tee time. It's to get your body activated, mind prepared, and game ready so you can step onto the first tee with confidence.

    LEARN THE WICKED SMART GOLF SYSTEM

    Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available)

    Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: Proven paths to break 90, break 80, and crush competitive golf (no swing changes required)

    Join the Wicked Smart Golf Newsletter and get 5 FREE practice plans.

    Recommended Products

    Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)

    Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%).

    Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).

    Speed Train with HiiTs Driver: Developed by 3X WLD Champion, Fast Eddie, this hittable driver will help you add distance while hitting balls (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%).

    Wicked Smart Golf Books

    Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible.

    Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible.

    Follow Wicked Smart Golf

    Follow on TikTok

    Follow on Instagram

    Subscribe on YouTube
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • James Berry: Proven Mental Golf Techniques of the Pros (Flashback Friday)

    James Berry: Proven Mental Golf Techniques of the Pros (Flashback Friday)
    Oct 2 2026
    >>Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). >>Get my FREE guide, 10 Course Management Secrets LEARN THE WICKED SMART GOLF SYSTEM Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available) Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: Proven paths to break 90, break 80, and crush competitive golf (no swing changes required) Join the Wicked Smart Golf Newsletter and get 5 FREE practice plans. Recommended Products Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Shot Pattern: The best golf GPS + stat tracking to help you manage your round and make better decisions (20% off w/my link). Master Mobility & Flexibility with 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%). Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Speed Train with HiiTs Driver: Developed by 3X WLD Champion, Fast Eddie, this hittable driver will help you add distance while hitting balls (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%). James Berry is a former professional golfer, performance coach, and author of The College Golfer. Drawing from years of competing at an elite level and guiding top players, James breaks down what truly separates great golfers from the pack. In this episode, we explore the habits, mindset, and training principles that fuel consistent performance—including how to practice with purpose, manage pressure, and build the confidence to compete at your best. When you listen to this interview, you will learn: The power of your self-imageWhy you need to develop disciplineHow to simulate driving pressure practice at the rangeHabits of the professional golfers he works with that you can steal Follow James Berry on Instagram and check out his website. Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible. Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible. Follow Wicked Smart Golf Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet