VESTAL, N.Y. – Binghamton Head Golf Coach Bernie Herceg has been named the Teacher & Coach of the Year by the Central New York Section of the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) of America, the group announced Thursday.
 
The award recognizes Herceg for outstanding service and excellence as an instructor, coach, leader and promoter of the game of golf. Herceg, who is in the middle of his 18th season leading the Bearcats golf program, also serves as the PGA Director of Instruction at Binghamton's home course, The Links at Hiawatha Landing, in Apalachin, N.Y.
 
"I am proud to be a PGA member and it is an honor to be voted for and receive this honor from my peers in the PGA," said Herceg. "I am fortunate and appreciate the opportunity to coach and instruct. Being able to help players improve and make a difference is what means the most to me."
 
Recently, Herceg helped the Bearcats complete a strong first half of their 2025-26 season in the fall. During the fall season, Binghamton finished in the top three in three of its five tournaments. He oversaw five individual top 10 and two top 20 finishes. Additionally, Brandon Conner was named a Prime Performer by the NEC in both the months of September and October, while Jack Tebeau was named a Prime Performer for the month of October.
 
Binghamton's spring 2026 schedule will be announced at a later date.
 
Matthews Auto is the presenting sponsor of Bearcats Golf.