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⛳ Mastering Your Mental Game: An Interview with Wicked Smart Golf's Michael Leonard

This week, we had the pleasure of chatting with Michael Leonard—Mental Golf Coach, Host of the Wicked Smart Golf podcast, and author of the book Wicked Smart Golf. Michael’s mission is to help golfers improve without making swing changes, instead focusing on the mental game, course management, and practical tips.

We spoke with Michael to learn more about:

🧠 Mastering the Mental Game
📘 The Story Behind Wicked Smart Golf
🏌️‍♂️ Key Strategies for Every Golfer

Can you share how you first got into golf? What drew you to the sport, and how long have you been playing?

I started playing golf at 10 years old and instantly fell in love with the challenge of the sport. In high school, I shot a 124 in my first tournament as a freshman and a 74 in my first tournament as a senior. I’ve been playing for over 25 years and can’t get enough now!

What inspired you to start Wicked Smart Golf? Was there a specific moment or experience that led you to create this platform?

I decided to start Wicked Smart Golf because I was tired of seeing endless content about how to fix your swing and not enough focus on the course management and mental side of the game. Both are equally important but often overlooked. I love helping golfers play better without swing changes by improving their mindset, short game, and course management skills.

Tell us about your book, Wicked Smart Golf. Why is it a must-read for golfers, and how did you develop your tips?

It has 111 ways to play better without swing changes. It’s a book you can pick up at any time for instant inspiration and ideas to improve fast. I organized the content into a five-pillar approach: mental game mastery, practicing like a pro, putting, short game, and course management. All of these work alongside your swing to build a more consistent game from tee to green.

Among the many tips you share in the book, which one do you think has the most immediate impact on a golfer's game, and why?

Resetting expectations. I share a ton of data in my book about the PGA Tour and even more information in the Audible version. Knowing stats about pros and amateurs makes it easier to set the right expectations and hopefully remove pressure so you can play better. Too many golfers think that you have to play perfectly to score great, which isn't always the case. 

Your platform emphasizes the mental game. What are the biggest mental mistakes you've made, and how do you recommend handling pressure situations on the course? 

My biggest mental mistakes were not sticking with a pre-shot routine, getting too mad after shots, and worrying too much about score. I now always recommend having a pre-shot routine to stay 100% committed to each shot, which helps handle pressure better.

Can you share a success story from a follower who significantly improved their game by implementing your tips? 

One reader started using my tips, incorporated speed training, and broke 80. Now, in his mid-50s, he’s a single-digit handicapper, added 20+ yards off the tee, and is having more fun than ever—especially since he had previously given up the game.

Lightning Round

Favorite golfer of all time? Tiger Woods—he’s done more for the game than any player ever, and he’s the reason I started playing.

Best golf movie? I think there’s a huge need for more golf movies. I’m actually scripting one out right now—hopefully, it’ll be a contender for the best golf movie ever in the future.

If you could have a round of golf with any three people (dead or alive), who would they be? Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, and Phil Mickelson.

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🔦 Simulator Spotlight

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🏌️ Tee Talk: Hot Topics on the Forum

Join the conversation and give your advice on r/golfsimulator!

🏌️ Tips for managing back pain from hitting off a golf mat?

💸 Which should I buy: Full Swing with GSPro or the Foresight GC3?

⛳ Options for something that JUST gives me shot analysis?

Raise your hand if you want Sky the Golf Dog as your new caddie 🙋‍♂️

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