I have to be honest while I read every golf magazine there is and do watch instructional videos on YouTube and Instagram, I really have only read a few golf books over the years. Most golf books have a specific style or way to improving doing specific technique so when I came across a golf book that focused on everything but changing my swing, it really piqued my interest.
The book is Wicked Smart Golf by Michael Leonard and it’s a refreshing and easy to read book for golfers who are interested in lowering their scores without changing their swing. The Wicked Smart Golf Book’s philosophy is simple in my opinion; golf is a mental and strategic game, and golfers can improve by simply thinking smarter on the course, on how they practice on the range, and with some smarter practice routines and preparations.
A little about the author Michael Leonard; he has played golf at a high level and coached and written about the game. In my opinion, his advice is delivered in a direct and motivating way that makes the book feel like you’re getting tips from a trusted mentor or coach, and someone who genuinely wants to see you succeed.
Here are some core ideas I found from reading Wicked Smart Golf…..
Instead of bogging you down with technical swing changes, focus on course management, mental toughness, emotional control, and smart decision-making while golfing. The book mentions common mistakes that average golfers make, including aiming at tucked pins, choosing the wrong club, or losing focus after a bad shot, and the book explains how to avoid them with simple, repeatable strategies.
His goal is clear: help you play better with the game you have right now, not the one you’re dreaming about someday.
Some Key takeaways after reading Wicked Smart Golf…
- Avoid Big Mistakes: hitting fairways, greens, and two-putting — is the real secret to lower scores.
- Strategic Targeting: Always aim for big, safe targets.
- Pre-Shot Routine: A consistent pre-shot routine is crucial. It builds confidence, focuses your mind, and helps eliminate indecision over the ball.
- Club Up Philosophy: Many golfers under-club and leave shots short. Taking more club and swinging with smooth tempo is almost always the smarter move.
- Mental Reset After Bad Shots: Everyone hits bad shots. The key is to accept them quickly and refocus immediately instead of spiraling into frustration.
- Play Within Yourself: Know your game, your strengths, and your limitations. Trying to hit miracle shots or playing outside your ability level almost always leads to disaster.
- Stay in the Present: Thinking ahead to future holes or worrying about your final score can wreck a round. Just commit fully to each shot, one at a time.
Bottom line, I’m a big fan of Wicked Smart Golf by Michael Leonard. In my opinion, the book is a must read for anyone who wants to shoot lower scores without needing to spend hours on the range. The book’s advice is like adding a secret weapon to your golf game, as it will sharpen your mental approach, helps you avoid blowups, and makes you a smarter, and a more consistent player. If you tired of swing tips that never seem to work under pressure, this book will change how you think and how you score.
You can buy Wicked Smart Golf by Michael Leonard on Amazon here, https://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Smart-Golf-Without-Changing/dp/B0B157RYG2?crid=VVCHZAJXYCSA&keywords=wicked+smart+golf&qid=1653477667&sprefix=wicked+smart+golf,aps,120&sr=8-4&linkCode=sl1&tag=supermille-20&linkId=e68d3ecf71a331d21267f17dbe38787e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
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Book Number 2
