Wicked Smart Game Plan: Mason's Guide from 9.7 to Scratch Golf

Get the Pre-Shot Like a Pro Cheatsheet: wickedsmartgolf.com/routine-checklist

EPISODE CHAPTERS️
00:01 - 01:21: Mason, who provides background on his golfing experience and current 9.7 handicap.
01:21 - 03:00: Mason discusses his goal of reaching a three or four handicap within the next year and describes his local golfing environment in Utah.
03:00 - 05:30: Mason reviews his recent performance statistics, highlighting a strong driving game but identifying approach and short game as areas for improvement.
06:53 - 10:48: Michael Leonard provides strategic advice on managing negative thoughts and maintaining commitment to a shot on narrow courses.
11:00 - 15:57: Mason and Michael discuss wedge play, focusing on creating a "wedge matrix" with specific distances for different clubs and swing types.
25:41 - 31:28: The discussion shifts to the mental game and the importance of establishing consistent pre-shot routines for all types of shots.
37:43 - 42:01: Michael details specific putting drills and calibration techniques, such as using a metronome and working on lag putting distances.
46:05 - 47:48: Michael explains how to build a personalized practice plan based on performance data and upcoming goals.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE
This "Wicked Smart Golf Game Plan" episode features Mason, a 31-year-old golfer from the Salt Lake Valley who has been playing for nearly 20 years. These game plan episodes are designed to provide listeners with background on a golfer's current status to help them develop a tailored plan for improvement.

Mason, who currently holds a 9.7 handicap, aims to drop to a 3 or 4 handicap within the next 12 months, with an ultimate long-term goal of becoming a scratch golfer.

Distance as a Weapon: Mason already possesses significant distance, averaging a 295–300 yard carry with his driver, which the host notes is a major advantage for reaching a scratch-level handicap.

Wedge Matrix Training: To improve approach shots from 50–100 yards, the host recommends Mason build a "wedge matrix" by practicing and recording three specific distances (full swing, three-quarter knockdown, and two-third rib cage height) for each of his wedges.

Mental Routine Shift: Michael Leonard advises Mason to stop taking practice swings next to the ball for full-swing shots, suggesting he instead perform rehearsal swings behind the ball to separate "thinking" from "playing" and improve confidence.

Data-Driven Practice: Mason is encouraged to use his Arccos sensors to track statistics, which will help identify his "big three" weaknesses and allow him to create a focused, weekly practice plan rather than just hitting a bucket of balls.

Purposeful Putting Sessions: For more effective practice at lunch, Mason should move beyond just "hitting balls" and instead use drills involving a metronome for tempo and a putting mat for start-line feedback.

And more golf coaching tips.

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