LEEDS – Arnold Leo “Al” Biondi, of Leeds, died unexpectedly Friday, Nov. 25, at his home.

Al was born in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania, the son of Guido and Mary Ellen (Spencer) Biondi. He was an outstanding athlete at Clearfield High School, served in the U.S. Coast Guard after high school, and then attended the University of Missouri.

After a short career in professional baseball, Al turned to his all-consuming passion and lifelong career – golf. He went to the Augusta Country Club as a pro in 1957 and continued there until his retirement in 1999.

After his retirement, Al returned to Springbrook Golf Club, which he designed and built in 1966. At Springbrook, the legendary golf instructor continued to share his love of the game of golf as well as his excellent cooking skills.

Al’s love of cooking was known at several restaurants that he was involved with, most notably the former First Tee in Augusta.

Al was the only New England PGA member who has ever been awarded the following four majors: NEPGA Golf Professional of the Year, NEPGA Hall of Fame, Horton Smith Award (national) and the Bill Strausbaugh Award.

He won every Maine Chapter NEPGA Tournament Championship, including Pro Champion (individual), Pro Am, Pro Senior, Pro Junior, Pro Pro, Pro Lady and Match Play.

Other awards garnered by Al include the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Maine PGA Hall of Fame, New England PGA Hall of Fame, Kennebec Valley Sports Hall of Fame, Maine PGA Golf Professional of the Year, New England PGA Champion, Maine PGA Champion, chairman of the Hall of Fame Special Olympics and Maine Athletic Commissioner. He qualified seven times for the U.S. PGA Seniors Championship and won 16 Maine PGA Senior Championships.

Former Gov. Angus King declared Oct. 17, 1999, Arnold (Al) Biondi Day throughout the state of Maine, because of Al’s many accomplishments.

Al is survived by his wife of 30 years, Dianne J. Biondi; his daughter, Devon M. Biondi of Boston; his son, Arnold S. Biondi of Enfield, Conn.; two sisters, Evelyn Biondi O’Brien and Alvina Biondi Walker, both of Pennsylvania; his sister-in-law, Debra Graham and her husband, John, of Winthrop; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and four brothers, Charles, Arthur, Frederick and Edward.

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