Wicked Smart Golf

>>Get my FREE pre-shot routine cheatsheet
>>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.

Today I'm joined by Josh Nichols, the creator of the Mental Golf Show, a decorated tournament golfer, and a mental performance coach. Josh returns to share his deep insights on how to bridge the gap between practice and high-level competitive performance.
In this episode, we dive into:
The Mental Scorecard: Learn how Josh quantifies his mental game on every shot to ensure process remains the priority over the final score.


Overcoming Competitive Rust: Discover the hidden "mental load" of tournament golf, from managing logistics and etiquette to handling five-hour rounds.


The Three-Hole Check-In: A powerful mid-round hack to audit your emotions and stop a mental spiral before it ruins your card.


Pre-Acceptance and Commitment: Why accepting every possible result before you swing is the most underrated skill for playing free, committed golf.  

Post-Round Recaps: How to use neutral data to "purge" the emotions of a round and inform a smarter practice plan.  

Planting the Flag: Why setting concrete competitive goals on your calendar is the best way to drive consistent improvement in your lifestyle and your game
And more mental game 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  
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>>Dial in your wedge matrix (FREE 10-page guide)
>>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)
June was a busy month with 8 tournament rounds, tons of practice, and a lot of lessons learned along the way. In this 5 in June recap episode, I'm breaking down what worked, what didn't, and the biggest takeaways to help you shoot lower scores.
I'll recap:
My Mid-Am performance (scores, strokes gained, and biggest lessons)
Arizona Amateur qualifying (what went well + areas to improve)
Men's Club 2-Man event
Encanto Cup
Local Amateur qualifying
My current practice routine and what I'm prioritizing
Plus, I'm sharing 8 important lessons from June that can help your game:
Assess your game instead of repeating the same practice habits
Why breaking 80 requires a reliable wedge matrix
The bunker lesson that simplified my technique
Avoiding hero golf and making smarter decisions
Using mini speed sessions to maintain gains 
The "I am safe" mental strategy 
Why golfers need to train like athletes
The importance of getting help and never stopping your learning
I'll also share if my handicap improved, where my game is trending, and what I'm focused on next.
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

>>Join the Wicked Smart Golf Wedge Challenge (enrollment ends soon). 
>>Get 10% off Milo Lines & Henry's "Swing Like an Athlete Academy" with code "WICKEDSMART
Henry Fall is a golf professional who excels as an instructor, player, and caddy, bringing a comprehensive perspective to the game. Based in Arizona, he partners with Milo Lines to provide high-quality instruction through their online academy, in-person lessons, and golf schools. With extensive experience on the bag for his wife, LPGA Tour player Dana Fall, Henry offers unique insights into the technical and strategic demands of competitive golf.
Here's what you'll learn when you listen to this episode: 
The 75% Rule: Learn why your clubface is the primary factor in determining your start line and how to master ball flight laws to simplify your swing fixes.
Pro Strategy Insights: Henry shares lessons learned from six years on the LPGA Tour, including why elite players choose simple shots over "hero" shots and how putting from off the green can save your par.
The Setup Essentials: Discover why Henry believes the grip is the most critical element of the swing and how neutral posture can prevent common back injuries while improving performance.
Bunker Fear to Bunker Fun: Reset your sand game with basics on handling different lies, from aggressive "V-shaped" attacks in firm sand to shallower, sweeping swings for clumpy conditions.
Competitive Mental Game: Explore the importance of commitment and conviction, and how maintaining clarity through a solid routine can help you handle pressure like the world's best players.
And more golf tips to help your game. 
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

>>Join the Wicked Smart Golf Wedge Challenge (enrollment ends soon). 
Michael Leonard is joined by Kenny, an assistant golf professional at Bully Rock Golf Course in Havre de Grace, Maryland. A 25-year-old former baseball pitcher, Kenny currently plays to a 7.5 handicap with a goal of becoming a competitive professional golfer. 
This session focuses on creating a structured game plan to help him reach scratch golf and succeed in upcoming professional section events. When you listen, you will learn:
The Importance of Data and Stat Tracking: Establishing objective data through stat tracking is identified as the first priority to move away from unreliable self-assessment and focus practice sessions on actual weaknesses.  

Developing Structured Practice Sessions: To move away from "sporadic" and unstructured practice, a sample five-hour weekly plan is developed, including 90 minutes of mechanics, one hour of driver work, and dedicated time for short game and putting.  

Mastering Pre-Shot and Post-Shot Routines: The conversation emphasizes that consistent routines for full swings, short games, and putting are essential for clear communication between the brain and body, potentially saving three to five shots per round.  

Mental Reframing and Mid-Round Resets: Strategies are discussed for escaping negative mental states during a round, such as using "replacement swings," intentional breathing, and the "3P approach" to find three positive things about an upcoming shot.  

Post-Round Debriefing and the "Confidence Car Ride": Instead of focusing on mistakes during the commute home, golfers are encouraged to conduct a "confidence car ride" by identifying positive moments from the round to "brainwash" the mind for future success.
And more strategies.
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

>>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)
Start Training with HackMotion: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). 
Bryce Cope is back on the podcast (first ep was #95) and here to help you fix common swing issues. Not only is Bryce a highly sought after coach but a +5 handicap as well. He simplifies the golf swing like very few people can and will help you build a more consistent swing. 
In this episode, you will learn:
How a weak grip leads to all sorts of issues.
How to properly hinge your wrists in the backswing. 
The importance of feet flare at setup for balance and clearing your hips. 
Why early extension might be the only reason you're actually hitting the ball. 
The biggest bunker mistake most golfers make. 
How to stop 3-putting so often. 
And a lot more epic advice. 
If your swing needs help, make sure to reach out to Bryce for a lesson on Skillest today. You can follow Bryce on TikTok and or Instagram for daily golf tips. 
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%) 
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 Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. 
Practice Like a Pro With Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 100 Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro.  
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. 
Also, don't forget to connect on social media:
Follow on TikTok
Follow on Instagram  
Subscribe on YouTube