April 9, 2026

GRAA Award Winner Profile: Nick Biondi – A 2025 GRAA Growth of the Game Teaching Professional

By Vinnie Manginelli, PGA

Inspired by his grandfather, who was a founding member of Glenmaura National Golf Club in Moosic, Pennsylvania, Nick Biondi’s journey in golf began when he was just six years old. The passion Biondi’s grandfather had for the game and the values he instilled paved the way for Nick’s lifelong love of golf.

“Starting on the course at such a young age allowed me to cultivate an appreciation for the sport that has only deepened over the years,” Biondi says.

Biondi’s path to PGA membership started as a competitive junior golfer, culminating in a 5th place finish at the 2013 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) State Championship. In the early 2000s, he had the unique opportunity to watch the Korn Ferry Tour players compete in an event hosted at his childhood club in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

“It was exciting to see the tour players come to town and learn from golfers like Roland Thatcher and Tim O’Neal,” he recalls. “This experience led me to Marywood University, a Division III school in Scranton, where I had the honor of winning seven tournaments, further fueling my passion for the game.”

After college, Biondi transitioned into the professional golf ranks, making one appearance on the PGA TOUR Canada in 2020. This experience, along with multiple attempts at qualifying for the PGA TOUR through Q-School, provided invaluable insights into the challenges faced in the professional circuit.

Throughout his journey, he has learned from outstanding mentors, including Cleve Coldwater, his first PGA of America golf coach, and Kevin Kurcoba, a PGA of America Golf Professional formerly at Glenmaura.

“I also owe a great deal to Michael Little, PGA, someone I consider one of the best putting coaches in the state of Pennsylvania. Without his influence, I might not have become a PGA member,” Biondi states. “Additionally, I have been guided by respected figures such as Michael Jacobs, the 2025 PGA of America Professional Development Award winner and one of my closest friends, alongside national award winners like David Glenz, Craig Shankland and Mike Adams, who have all significantly shaped my approach to teaching and coaching.”

Today, Biondi serves as the PGA of America Director of Instruction at Radley Run Country Club in West Chester, Pennsylvania, overseeing their junior program of 185 kids and running clinics designed for beginners and advanced players alike. Radley Run offers a vibrant environment that fosters the group development of the game, something Biondi is deeply passionate about.

“We work diligently to create an egoless ecosystem of players and coaches, where the love of the game fuels us all,” he boasts. “To enhance our instructional methods, we utilize advanced technology, including the Foresight Sports QuadMAX launch monitor, which delivers precise data and feedback to support student improvement. Additionally, we employ Sportsbox AI for three-dimensional analysis, Swing Catalyst pressure plates for ground force measurement and CoachNow video software for personalized video analysis and communication.”

Biondi says that every individual who walks through their doors is considered a success story, as he strives to guide them on the journey from novice to proficient player through a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of their game. This combination of cutting-edge technology and a supportive learning atmosphere enables him and his colleagues at Radley Run to foster growth and development for golfers of all skill levels.

Biondi offers speaking engagements that address the needs of golf professionals, coaches, athletes and organizations seeking to elevate their expertise in golf performance and player development. This includes the technical, mental and coaching sides of golf, as well as industry trends that shape golf performance coaching and engagement with members, students and clients. He even wrote a book about embracing challenges and elevating one’s game that was published last fall. Check out Making the Turn: Navigating Change for Enhanced Performance here!

“Looking ahead, I believe we will continue to observe a trend where exceptional instructors align with premier facilities,” Biondi says. “It is essential for these facilities to embrace skilled PGA of America coaches to create productive learning environments.”

Over his three years at Radley Run, the facility has increased the number of yearly lessons sevenfold, illustrating the positive correlation between dedicated instruction and the success of the club’s programs. As the golf coaching and instruction industry continues to evolve, he is optimistic that golf instructors will receive greater support from facilities, fostering a brighter future for coaching in golf.

“I firmly believe that a solid coach can truly make a difference at these facilities, something I advocate for vehemently. Additionally, I foresee an increasing embrace of indoor golf simulators, particularly in the Northeast and colder climates, as a means to enhance player performance year-round. This advancement will contribute to improving players across the country and the world. Ultimately, no matter what we are teaching as instructors, it is our duty to help players not only improve their swings but also stay healthy and enjoy the game more — this is what it’s all about,” he concludes.

For more information on Nick Biondi and his programming, log on to his website today.