
Free Daily Podcast Summary
by Michael Leonard
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.
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>> Join the Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula (100 printable practice plans) and use "PC20" to save 20% on your investment >> Get 5 FREE practice plans now 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 should blend block and variable practice. The importance of practicing without feedback. How not checking alignment can kill your fundamentals. Why you should stop just doing block practice and how to incorporate others. And a lot more practice tips. Make sure to follow Justin on Instagram and reach out if you're in MN to check out his new indoor practice facility, Krafty Golf Studios. WICKED SMART GOLF 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%). 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
>>Work with Michael for 1:1 performance coaching (better golf without swing changes) -- email michael@wickedsmartgolf.com to see if it's a good fit (3 spots left) >>Get my FREE pre-shot routine cheatsheet In this episode of The Mental Golf Show, I join Josh to dive deep into the psychology of golf and share the mental strategies that have helped me go from an average golfer to a +2 handicap while chasing my goal of +5. We discuss why pressure feels overwhelming, how visualization can improve your performance, the importance of embracing discomfort, and why your decisions—not just your swing—determine your scores. We also explore anger on the golf course, target selection, playing freely, and the mindset shifts that help golfers finally break through scoring barriers. Whether you're trying to break 90, shoot your career low, or simply enjoy golf more, this episode is packed with practical mental game strategies you can use in your next round. In this episode: Why golf feels so hard (and why that's a good thing) The real purpose of visualization and how to use it correctly How to stop playing scared golf (especially if you struggle under pressure) If anger can help your golf game Smarter target selection and decision-making Breaking through scoring plateaus Michael's plan to go from a +2 to a +5 handicap And more mental golf tips. WICKED SMART GOLF 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%). 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
>>Work with me for performance golf coaching (3 spots left) - email me: michael@wickedsmartgolf.com >>Get Voice Caddie Launch Monitors 15% off w/code WICKEDSMART. SC200 Plus: The easiest to use launch monitor, no app needed. SC300i: An upgrade with access to more data using the Voice Caddie app. SC4 Pro: Even more data and simulation to help you practice like a pro. I just finished one of the craziest stretches of golf I've ever played: 182 holes in 12 days. Between tournament golf, match play, long days, pressure, nerves, slow rounds, and a whole lot of walking, I learned a ton about my game—especially the mental side. In this episode, I'm breaking down the experience and sharing some of my biggest lessons, including: Why you can be nervous and still play great golf The importance of having a clear strategy before every round What I learned from adopting a "Tiger mentality" — call the shot, rehearse it, and get extremely clear before pulling the trigger Why routines really are everything under pressure How verbalizing the shot helped me commit in big moments What my bad shots taught me about my tendencies under pressure Why gratitude, calmness, and acknowledging good luck matter more than you think Putting lessons that helped me improve my reads and stop forcing putts into the hole What match play taught me about momentum Why conditioning matters if you want to play your best during long tournament stretches The danger of overthinking when slow golf gives you too much time Plus, I'll share some of the smaller adjustments that made a huge difference—from intermediate targets and staying loose between shots to a new hybrid punch shot and simplifying my mental approach over the ball. 182 holes. 12 days. A lot of golf and even more lessons. WICKED SMART GOLF 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%). Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or <a href= "https://www.audible.com/search?se
>>Read Wicked Smart Golf III: Tournament Golf Secrets to Perform Under Pressure >>Get my FREE Tournament Golf Cheatsheet >>Join the Tournament Golf Bootcamp Michael Leonard welcomes back Nik Neal, an accomplished tournament golfer, physical therapist, and TPI-certified creator of Golf Strong, Hit Bombs. After a seven-year burnout break following college golf, Nik has completely revamped his game, shattered his previous personal ceilings, and is now capturing his journey across social media. Tune in to hear how he balances life as a public golfer while documenting the raw, unfiltered realities of high-stakes competitive golf. In this episode, you will learn: The "Road to Augusta" Blueprint: Discover the inspiration behind Nik's viral video series and what it really takes to film and share entire tournament rounds—the good, the bad, and the ugly—with hundreds of thousands of viewers. The Normalization of the Bad Shot: Why golf is inherently a game of managing misses rather than executing perfect shots, featuring relatable proof from elite players like Scotty Scheffler and Tom Kim. Chasing SCGA Player of the Year: The grueling reality of a season-long points race in Southern California, competing against stacked fields of Division I college standouts and elite mid-amateurs. The High-Stakes US Open Roller Coaster: An inside look at Nik's biggest achievement on the course—surviving a brutal, 35-mph wind-swept local qualifier to advance to the "longest day in golf" sectional. Subconscious Programming & Pumping Up: The exact morning routine Nik used for six months straight to transform his putting from a weakness into a weapon through vivid, emotional visualization techniques. On-Course Vibe Shifting: Quick, physical triggers and breathing mechanics you can use mid-round to immediately halt a negative downward spiral. Tournament Day Variable Control: Why Nik avoids pre-round gym workouts and heavily relies on a universal, bodyweight dynamic warm-up to prepare his spine and hips anywhere in the world. Mid-Round Fueling Mechanics: Why swapping out traditional carb-loaded bananas and PB&Js for high-fat, high-protein chicken salads and apples can eliminate late-round cognitive exhaustion and headaches. Wicked Smart Course Management: The step-by-step pre-shot routine of evaluating lies and winds to effectively calculate risk-reward, minimize shortsiding, and ensure your next shot is always your best shot. WICKED SMART GOLF 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
>>Read/listen to the Wicked Smart Golf trilogy >>Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available) In today's episode, I share new insights to Tiger Woods mental game based on the 2002 book, Think Like Tiger by John Andrisani. This book is a great read and shares valuable insights into how the GOAT thinks about the game. In this episode, you will learn: How planning the night before can boost your mental game The Bobby Jones tip that inspired his mid round confidence The two things Earl Woods taught him that will help your game Why rehearsal swings are a necessary part of your pre-shot routine And a lot more. WICKED SMART GOLF 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%). 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
>>Join DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Today I'm joined by Jeff Sullivan, a +4 handicap (at 40 years young) who shares what it takes to become an elite golfer. In this episode, you will learn: How he uses DECADE Golf to think like a pro. The truth about speed, exercise, and distance. How to make better decision on the golf course. Why it's important to schedule your practice week. How to practice at home so you can improve without going to the range. And a lot more tips to go low. Make sure to follow his Instagram to get inspired with his epic practice routines and tips. And check out his website to learn more about course management coaching using DECADE Golf. WICKED SMART GOLF 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%). 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
>>Get the Wicked Smart Car Caddy series (audio tracks to 10X your confidence pre- and post-round) >>Read Jared Tendler's book, Everyday Golf Psychology In this episode, mental golf coach Michael Leonard goes from the interviewer to the client, seeking mental coaching to address his struggles with mid-round anger and control on the golf course. The session dives deep beneath the surface of these emotional outbursts to uncover the underlying anxieties about success, technical competence, and a desire to control the future. You will gain valuable insights on how to shift their perspective, own their mastered skills, and handle difficult external triggers with poise and precision. We'll cover: Coaches Need Coaching Too: The episode highlights the value of self-awareness and the willingness of a coach to raise their hand and ask for help to break through mental blocks. Anger as a Symptom: Emotional reactions on the course are discussed not as the core problem, but as a symptom of a collision between reality and a golfer's skewed perception of it. The "Is It Ever Going to Happen" Trap: The conversation exposes the anxiety of future-oriented thinking and how asking unanswerable questions about future success fuels frustration. Owning Your "C" Game: Michael is challenged to develop conscious ownership of his baseline technical skills through a daily five-minute reflection task to build a more solid foundation. Injecting Logic Statements: A tool is introduced to weaponize pre-made, logical thoughts in the moment of frustration to successfully lower emotional intensity on the green. Dealing with Course Bullies: The session links Michael's intense reactions to difficult pairings with childhood bullying, framing the solution around maintaining control through calm authority rather than fighting back. And more mental golf tips. WICKED SMART GOLF 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%). 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 <a href= "https://www.tiktok.com/@wickedsmar
>>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) >>Apply for a "Wicked Smart Game Plan" episode >>Learn more about PrimePutt mats (and watch my YouTube review) Join the Wicked Smart Golf Newsletter and get 5 FREE practice plans. Today, Michael Leonard connects with a guest named Blake, who managed to drop his golf handicap to an impressive 2.9 in just a few years. Together, they walk through a "Wicked Smart Game Plan" specifically tailored to analyze Blake's performance stats, uncover mental barriers, and establish actionable strategies to help him transition to a scratch or plus handicap. We'll cover: The Importance of the Short Game: Learn why prioritizing low-point consistency and developing go-to shots around the chipping green is vital for tournament recovery. Leveraging Data for Lower Scores: Discover how implementing a statistical tracking system like Decade Golf helped Blake shave four strokes off his scoring average. Managing Course Aggression: Insights on breaking the habit of attacking red pins and properly executing knockdown wedge shots to avoid costly short-sided misses. Tapping into a Game Mentality: Strategies on how to safely harness competitive intensity and focus without letting anger sabotage your emotional control. Conquering the "Tale of Two Nines": Mental hacks and grounding techniques to stop guarding your score, stay anchored in the present moment, and successfully close out a strong round. Handling Late-Round Short Game Pressure: How to stick to a consistent chipping routine, manage expectations, and trust your instincts even if you haven't hit a chip shot in several hours. And more tips to play better without swing changes. WICKED SMART GOLF 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%). 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
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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.
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