Tribute to Al Biondi There is an old saying that "you can never go home". Hall of Fame PGA Professional Al Biondi dispelled that myth by returning to Springbrook Golf Club, 37 years after he designed and built the course. Al's duties at Springbrook included promoting the game of golf, giving lessons, and consulting on club operations. He also conducted a free summer clinic for area youngsters, something he enjoyed greatly. From time to time he would even be found in the club's kitchen preparing one of his famous Italian dishes. Al began his golf career at Colonial CC (MA) where he was assistant pro from 1954-1956. From 1957-1965 he served as pro at Augusta CC (ME). In 1966 he bought Spring Brook Farm, a working dairy farm in Leeds, where he designed and built Springbrook GC. He served as pro there until 1977 when he sold the course to Shirley Hamel and returned to Augusta CC as Director of Golf and General Manager. In 1999 Al left Augusta CC and took over the duties of Pro and GM at Kennebec Heights through the 2002 season. In the Spring of 2003 he "came home" to Springbrook GC. Al had been active in the NEPGA for many years. He served as MPGA President for 12 years, Director of the MPGA for 18 years, and Vice President of the NEPGA for 21 years. His skill and knowledge of the game speaks for itself. He was MPGA Senior Champion 15 times, qualified 7 times for the National PGA Seniors, 1992 NEPGA Senior Champion, MPGA Champion 1968-1971, had over 200 victories in Maine and New England PGA events, and won the MPGA Senior-Junior in 1995-1997 and again in 2002. Al has received many honors and awards over his long and distinguished golf career. Since 1958 he has been on the Wilson Sporting Goods Advisory Staff. He is also a Maine Athletic Commissioner. He has been inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, the Maine Golf Hall of Fame, and the New England PGA Hall of Fame. He has also been recognized as New England PGA Professional of the Year and Maine PGA Golf Professional of the Year. He is a former Maine PGA Champion as well as New England PGA Champion. He has been honored with the Horton Smith National Award and the Bill Strausbaug Special Award. He also found time to serve as Chairman of the Hall of Fame Special Olympics. He and his son Arnold operated Landscape Designs of New England based in Enfield, Connecticut. The company is involved in site planning, course design, and course renovations. Daughter Devon is a graduate of Amherst College and works at MIT in Boston as program manager for the school of engineering's internship program. She is also an accomplished golfer. Al lived in Leeds with wife Dianne. Everyone at Springbrook was saddened by the passing of Al Biondi who died at his home in Leeds on Friday November 25, 2005. His loss marked the end of an era in Maine golf history. Al will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but they will treasure the memories of this Maine golfing legend. If there is golf in Heaven, we're sure that Al will be involved. Al Biondi works with Ashley Golden on her swing (KJ Staff Photo by Andy Molloy) Al Biondi loved the little ones and enjoyed introducing them to the game he loved. {Home} {About Springbrook} {Location} {Layout/Scorecard} {Fees and Rates} {Memberships} {Outings} {Menu} {Photo Album}