Wicked Smart Golf

>>Join the NEW Wicked Smart Golf Speed Challenge 
>>Download my FREE distance guide to add 10+ yards in 60 days
In this episode, we welcome back Eddie "Fast Eddie" Fernandez, a dominant force in the world of golf and speed training. Before making his mark in power hitting, Eddie was a formidable competitor on the mini-tours, accumulating 50 mini-tour wins through his elite ball-striking and fierce competitive grit. Transitioning his golf background into raw power, he became a 3-time World Long Drive Champion and captured 15 World Long Drive titles.
Today, Eddie is widely recognized as one of the premier speed coaches to the top golfers on the planet. He is also the creator of the HiITS Driver—a revolutionary training tool designed to help golfers unlock massive distance safely without sacrificing control or swing mechanics.
Life Beyond the Grind: How transitioning from 100% commission security sales and bartending built the grit necessary to become a world champion.
Setting the Standard: Why total commitment and having a clear vision are essential for breaking through physical and performance plateaus.
Working with the Elites: Behind-the-scenes insights into coaching major champions and PGA Tour stars like Hideki Matsuyama, Vijay Singh, and Brandt Snedeker.
Why Traditional Speed Training Fails: The common mistakes golfers make when attempting to swing faster and how swinging at air can lead to injuries like tendonitis.
Eliminating YouTube Golf Myths: Debunking popular instruction trends, including the truth behind angle of attack with a driver and why you shouldn't try to "jump" at impact.
Fountain of Youth Mobility: The role of fascial lines, Type 2B fast-twitch muscle fibers, and rotational mobility in maintaining speed as you age.
Executing Effective Speed Sessions: The step-by-step warm-up protocol, target volume, and why maximum effort—not swing perfection—is key on speed days.
On-Course Speed Mapping: Realistic expectations for bridging the gap between your maximum simulator speed and your on-course cruising speed.
And more speed + scoring tips. 
WORK WITH 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  
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Subscribe on YouTube

>>Learn more about the Wicked Smart Golf Speed Challenge (enroll by 10/20 at 11:59pm PST). 
The NEW 30-Day Speed Challenge is officially here! I've completely revamped the program with updated training methods, new lessons, and a bonus "Ultimate Driver" Masterclass to help you swing faster and hit longer drives.
Whether you're new to speed training or looking to break through a plateau, this challenge will help you build a consistent routine and start unlocking more distance.

>>Join the NEW Wicked Smart Golf Speed Challenge 
>>My favorite speed trainers:
Speed Train With Rypstick (code "WICKEDSMART" saves you 20%)
Speed Train with HiiTs Driver (code "WICKEDSMART" saves you 10%)
In 2017, my clubhead speed was around 105 mph. After years of training, experimenting, and learning from some of the best speed coaches in golf, I'm now cruising around 115–116 mph and have reached personal-best speeds over 120 mph. The best part? I made these gains without completely overhauling my golf swing.
In this episode, I'm sharing my entire speed journey, including the four biggest factors that helped me gain distance, the training methods I've tested, and the mistakes that held me back. Whether you're looking to gain your first 3–5 mph or break through a frustrating plateau, these lessons can help you train smarter and unlock more speed.
In this episode, you'll learn:
The four biggest factors that helped me increase my clubhead speed.

How Tour Tempo, equipment, and strength training contributed to my gains.

What I've learned from testing SuperSpeed, The Stack, Rypstick, and the HiiTS Driver.

Five common speed-training mistakes that can sabotage your progress.

Why consistency and recovery matter more than endless training sessions.

How to start your own speed journey and build lasting habits.

Plus, my newly updated 30-Day Speed Challenge opens October 13–20! Learn how to train smarter, swing faster, and start unlocking more distance without overcomplicating your golf swing.
WORK WITH 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

>>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

>>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