Show Notes
>>Join the 7-Day Pre-Shot Like a Pro Challenge >>Get the Mental Golf Playbook (FREE) Today's guest is Jared Tendler, one of the world's leading performance coaches and author of The Mental Game of Poker and his newest book, Everyday Golf Psychology. In this conversation, we dive deep into the psychology behind better golf—from controlling emotions and managing anger to building resilience, handling pressure, and learning why your C-game matters more than your A-game. If you've ever struggled to bounce back after mistakes or wondered how elite players consistently perform under pressure, this episode is for you. In this episode, you will learn: Jared's journey from competitive golfer to one of the top mental performance coaches in the world. Why poker and golf share many of the same mental challenges—and what golfers can learn from professional poker players. The biggest misconception about emotional control and why you need to recognize problems before they escalate. How to "inject logic" after mistakes to stop negative emotions from taking over your round. The power of the A, B, and C Game framework—and why improving your C-game leads to lower scores. How to mentally prepare before a round by setting clear priorities and realistic expectations. The best way to review your rounds so mistakes become lessons instead of emotional baggage. The dos and don'ts of swing thoughts, and why technical thoughts don't belong over the golf ball. How to overcome embarrassment, recover from poor shots, and become more mentally resilient. Whether you're trying to break 90, break 80, compete in tournaments, or simply become more mentally consistent, this episode is packed with practical psychology strategies you can use in your very next round.
WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES 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
More from Wicked Smart Golf
>>Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available) >>Download my FREE wedge matrix guide In this episode of Wicked Smart Golf, host Michael Leonard sits down with veteran professional golfer and elite player coach Skip Kendall. With nearly 40 years of experience across the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour, and Champions Tour—accumulating nearly $10 million in career earnings—Skip brings a masterclass in scoring consistency, mental toughness, and short-game execution. Skip shares his incredible story of fighting back from dead last (180th place) after round one of PGA Tour Q-School to finish tied for 1st place. He breaks down how he survived the mini-tours while working late-night shifts as a waiter, and how he turned an underdog mindset into decades of success alongside golf's greatest legends. During our conversation, you will learn: The S.C.O.R.E. Mental System: Use Jim Fannon's framework (Self-discipline, Confidence, Optimism, Relaxation, Enjoyment) to evaluate and elevate your mindset after every round.
>>Join the Wicked Smart Speed Challenge 2.0 (develop speed habits over 30 days to hit it longer than ever) >>Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available) >>Get my FREE pre-shot routine cheatsheet In this "Wicked Smart Game Plan" coaching episode, Michael Leonard breaks down Clint ( a podcast listener's) current game and provides actionable strategies to help him overcome his current hurdles and reach scratch golf or better.
>>Join the NEW Wicked Smart Golf Speed Challenge >>Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save on your investment). Today's guest is Will Robins—one of the most inspiring and practical coaches in golf. Will's story is incredible. After surviving the 2004 tsunami in Thailand, he completely transformed his life and coaching philosophy. That experience reshaped how he approaches the game, and it's why he's now one of the most respected coaches for both amateurs and professionals around the world. In this episode, we dive deep into: Will's life-changing story of surviving a tsunami and how it shaped his purpose Simple mindset shifts that lead to lower scores and more fun on the course Course management strategies every amateur needs to stop wasting strokes Decision-making frameworks used by elite players (that you can apply instantly) Practical routines and mental cues to stay calm, confident, and committed under pressure Will breaks down what really matters when it comes to scoring — and why most golfers focus on the wrong things. If you've ever felt like you're working hard but not getting results, this episode will give you the clarity and tools to finally play to your potential. Learn more about the Scoring Method now. 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
>>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 Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram 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.