Incoming freshman Bercea wins NFPGA Junior Championship

Eastern Florida State College incoming freshman Vlad Alexander Bercea won the NFPGA Junior Championship at The Country Club at Winter Haven last week.

Bercea picked up the win in the section tournament with rounds of 66 and 69 to win by three strokes. It was the first time he had played the course and was at five under after five holes including an eagle on the 507-yard, par 5 hole.

"I got off to a good start, a par on the first and then hit a couple of birdies. On the fourth hole I hit a four iron around a tree, then knocked in a 30-footer for eagle," Bercea said. "Got a bit sloppy in some spots, but I made a lot of birdies. A lot cleaner back nine, five under after five was a great start and just kind of played well after that."

It was the second time Bercea has played in the NFPGA Junior Championship, finishing in the top 10 a couple of years ago.

"I guess you can say I bounced back nicely!" Bercea said. "I played really well, the second day I just played the par 5s two over and really didn't get the job done on those but it was great golf. I definitely left a couple out there on the par 5s, but you win a tournament like that by three shots, you can't be upset."

The Viera High School graduate who will be on the Eastern Florida State College men's golf team this fall has qualified for two high-profile tournaments with this victory. He qualified for the national junior PGA Championship in Texas beginning July 28 at the Fields Ranch East & West in Frisco, Texas.

"I have played a whole lot of tournaments over the summer. Honestly the good start was nice, I kept it in play off the tee and took advantage of the chances. I putted as good as I have in a while," Bercea said. "Obviously, it is nice to say you want to win but I just want to go out and play as well as I can. It will probably be my final junior match so definitely want to finish as strong as I can."

Bercea also won a Florida junior tour event in April and has played in tournaments throughout the summer. He has also qualified for the NXXT Faldo North American Championship at Streamsong Resort in Bowling Green, Florida beginning on December 28, 2026.

The men's golf team will begin their fall season in August.