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Wicked Smart Golf

Wicked Smart Golf

By: Michael Leonard
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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. 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
  • 527: Nik Neal - The Secrets to Playing Elite Tournament Golf

    527: Nik Neal - The Secrets to Playing Elite Tournament Golf
    Sep 10 2026
    >>Read Wicked Smart Golf III: Tournament Golf Secrets to Perform Under Pressure >>Get my FREE Tournament Golf Cheatsheet >>Join the Tournament Golf Bootcamp >>Try out Nik's Golf Strong, Hit Bombs App (Free trial) 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: 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
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 29 mins
  • REPLAY: How to Think Like Tiger Woods - 7 Secrets to Success

    REPLAY: How to Think Like Tiger Woods - 7 Secrets to Success
    Sep 8 2026

    >>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
    Show more Show less
    27 mins
  • Jeff Sullivan: Secrets of a +4 HDCP at 40 Years Young (Flashback Friday)

    Jeff Sullivan: Secrets of a +4 HDCP at 40 Years Young (Flashback Friday)
    Sep 4 2026

    >>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
    Show more Show less
    49 mins
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Brings on great guest who share their knowledge and their journey. Discusses a wide range of topics from speed training to hypnotherapy to provide listers with ways to improve their performance.Michael provides his own experience and journey.

Great POD cast on the mental side of golf

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