Episode #529: Michael Leonard - Stop Playing Scared Golf and How to Break Scoring Plateaus
In this episode of The Mental Golf Show, I join Josh to dive deep into the psychology of golf and share the mental strategies that have helped me go from an average golfer to a +2 handicap while chasing my goal of +5.
We discuss why pressure feels overwhelming, how visualization can improve your performance, the importance of embracing discomfort, and why your decisions—not just your swing—determine your scores. We also explore anger on the golf course, target selection, playing freely, and the mindset shifts that help golfers finally break through scoring barriers.
Whether you're trying to break 90, shoot your career low, or simply enjoy golf more, this episode is packed with practical mental game strategies you can use in your next round. In this episode:
- Why golf feels so hard (and why that's a good thing)
- The real purpose of visualization and how to use it correctly
- How to stop playing scared golf (especially if you struggle under pressure)
- If anger can help your golf game
- Smarter target selection and decision-making
- Breaking through scoring plateaus
- Michael's plan to go from a +2 to a +5 handicap
And more mental golf tips.
