630 episodes
533: Jess Lapachinski - Overcoming Bad Shots, Building Routines, External Focus, & On-Course Mindset
01/10/2026 | 55 mins.>>Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)
>>Download my FREE distance guide to add 10+ yards in 60 days
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
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%).
*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-68f63a7d-4eac-8331-924e-52e8184b7198-23" data-testid= "conversation-turn-232" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Jess Lapachinsky is a sports performance mental coach and strength and conditioning coach with around 20 years of experience working with athletes and coaches. After working extensively in strength conditioning, student-athlete development, and coaching at a private boarding school, she pursued a master's degree in sports and exercise psychology. Today, through her private practice, Victory Lap Mindset, she provides individualized mental coaching to youth, collegiate, and professional golfers.
Topics Covered
Developing a Flexible Mindset: How successful golfers manage on-course adversity by accepting that rounds rarely go perfectly.
Redefining Confidence: Viewing confidence as a forward-thinking mindset and a belief in one's ability to handle mistakes, rather than relying strictly on past success.
Managing Negative Self-Talk: Strategies for allowing initial negative thoughts to pass without judgment and using intentional "second thoughts" to refocus on the next shot's process.
Body Language and "Eyes Up Always": Utilizing positive posture, inspired by Rory McIlroy, to improve breathing, project confidence, and support teammates.
External Focus vs. Swing Mechanics: Why players should prioritize external targets over internal technical swing thoughts to prevent hesitation and stiffness.
Pre-Round & Night-Before Routines: Emphasizing the rule of "nothing new on game day," visualizing the first three holes, and staying anchored in a consistent pre-shot routine.
Journaling and Off-Course Growth: Why writing down reflections and tracking successes helps athletes retain perspective and process mental growth.
And more mental golf tips. Follow Jess Lapahinski on Instagram and check out her 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
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Subscribe on YouTube532: 5 Weeks of Tourney Golf (a 1st, 2nd, MC, Funny Moments, Epic Guests and Major Lessons)
29/09/2026 | 40 mins.>>Download my FREE distance guide to add 10+ yards in 60 days
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
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%).
*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-68f63a7d-4eac-8331-924e-52e8184b7198-23" data-testid= "conversation-turn-232" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Five straight weeks of tournament golf gave me plenty of wins, mistakes, and lessons to unpack.
In this episode, I recap some of my biggest takeaways from recent podcast guests, what I learned from competing at Amoia, a 66-68 win at Encanto, and the highs and lows from RVCC and Centennial.
We'll talk routines, self-talk, sticking to one shot shape, learning from your misses, speed training, course strategy, and why sometimes it's just not your week.
Plus, the biggest lessons from guests like Jared Tendler, Nik Neal, and Mike Fox from September to help your game.
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 a FREE PXG fitting with the code "WICKEDSMART"
>>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)
Today I interview Mike Fox, a seasoned fitter from PXG with seven years of experience, to discuss how finding the right golf equipment can instantly improve your game without making a single swing change.
From understanding why graphite shafts aren't just for seniors to avoiding common setup mistakes with drivers, irons, and putters, this episode breaks down the science and strategies behind custom golf club fitting.
In this episode, you will learn:
Why fitting helps every golfer: Discover why off-the-rack clubs and hand-me-downs put a hard ceiling on your potential, no matter your handicap level.
The hidden truth about driver setups: Why playing a shorter driver shaft and adding loft often yields longer carry and total distances for the average player.
How custom lie angles fix shot dispersion: Learn how simple adjustments to your irons' lie angle can immediately stop your ball from leaking right or pulling left.
The rise of combo sets and seven woods: Why traditional long irons are disappearing from player bags and how modern head designs can optimize your launch windows.
The #1 club you should actually get fit for: Why putters—not drivers—account for the majority of your score and how new putter head shapes and zero-torque designs offer instant stability.
And more golf equipment tips.
WICKED SMART GOLF
Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available)
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 530: Wicked Smart Game Plan - How Jason Went From 30 to 5 Handicap & Plan to Scratch
22/09/2026 | 1h 5 mins.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.
Jason is a U.S. Navy veteran living near Cleveland, Ohio, who plays out of Valley of the Eagles. After overcoming severe injuries sustained in Iraq, he discovered PGA HOPE—a foundation providing free golf instruction to veterans—where he went on to become a Northern Ohio ambassador.
Over the course of three to four years, Jason remarkably lowered his handicap from 30+ down to a 4.4. In this episode, you will learn:
An Unforgettable 5-Day Golf Streak: How Jason served as an honorary starter at a Champions Tour event at Firestone—crushing a 280-yard drive on TV—before shooting his personal-best round of 68 and hitting a hole-in-one at Muirfield Village.
The Power of the Wedge Matrix: Why printing a simple chart of wedge swing distances and attaching it to his bag was the single biggest factor in lowering his handicap.
Mastering Tempo with Tech: How using Bluetooth hearing aids paired with the Tour Tempo app helped lock in a reliable 2:1 swing ratio during practice.
Unlocking 115+ MPH Swing Speed: The training tools and techniques Jason used to transform his cruising driver speed from 95 mph to over 113–115 mph.
Fixing Long Iron Hooks: Strategies for adjusting grip pressure and path to prevent long irons and woods from overdrawing or pull-hooking.
Conquering Hard & Wet Bunkers: Why staying on your lead side and swinging steep to "create sand" is the key to avoiding thinned or skulled bunker shots.
Mental Toughness & Tournament Mindsets: Practical grounding tools and sensory techniques to stay in the present moment when score pressure starts to creep in.
Enjoy this inspiring story!
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%).
Follow Wicked Smart Golf
Follow on TikTok
Follow on Instagram
Subscribe on YouTube- >> 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
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About Wicked Smart Golf
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.
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