Brookstone golfer Parker Derby signed a letter of intent on Wednesday to play at the University of Georgia.

Attending the signing were family, students, Georgia coaches Chris Haack and Jim Douglas, as well as Derby's swing coach Chan Reeves.

Derby, one of the top recruits in the country, said there were a number of factors that influenced his decision.

He wanted to stay in South, close to home, and he really liked the Bulldogs coaching staff.

"I knew I wanted to stay down here where I could still be close to my family, and looking around, I just liked Georgia the best," he said. "I really like (Haack) and (Douglas). They're great. The facilities are great, and the team atmosphere is really good, which is what you need."

The facilities were a plus for Derby because of the challenging home course.

"It'll challenge your short game," he said. "It will definitely make you better."

Derby said that he had goals, but that he'd concentrate on getting through his final semester at Brookstone first.

Those goals, he said, include improving as a player, becoming an All-American and, eventually, turning pro.

To do that, he said he'd need to improve in a couple of areas.

"My ball striking ability is definitely what I'm best at," he said.

"I'll need to improve my putting and my short game, though."

He said that, while the recruiting process was fun at times, he's also glad that it's over.

"It's fun, but it can be stressful, too," he said.

"I'm just glad the process is over now."

Derby helped lead the Cougars to a third straight state championship as a junior. He also participated in the AJGA Wyndham Cup last July in Florida.

The Wyndham Cup rosters are comprised of 40 of the top juniors in the nation.

David Mitchell, 706-571-8571