Panther 's selection revealed

Confirmation for Brant Patton came in July.

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The Lakeside senior knew he could play golf at a high level when he finished second at the Augusta City Amateur after firing a final-round 66, the best round of the tournament.

Patton signed Nov. 18 to play golf at Georgia College and State University. He said he has thrived on the confidence he gained from that tournament.

"After that tournament, I knew that I had the game to beat other college players," Patton said.

Patton made two eagles and two birdies during the final round at Forest Hills. But it wasn't the round that got him noticed.

Patton said he thinks Georgia College and State watched him at the Southern Junior Championship at Lake Oconee. He made his official visit to the school two weeks before his signing and committed then.

Patton said he also had interest from USC Aiken and Furman, but the Bobcats were his only real consideration.

"I have some friends down there who said they love it," he said. "It was a pretty easy choice."

Patton has worked on his swing over the past two years with Augusta Country Club's Tommy Brannen.

Patton said his swing was short and flat and that Brannen worked to make it longer and more upright.

The result has been more consistency in Patton's game. In addition to the City Amateur, Patton played in a pair of American Junior Golf Association events and some other local tournaments.

Patton said he has played well lately and hopes it carries over to his college career.

"It's going to be tough," he said. "Hopefully, my class schedule will work with my practice time. I'm going to have to work hard."

Before then, Patton and senior Lakeside teammate Kelby Burton, who signed the week before with Kennesaw State, have eyes on a state title after the Panthers failed to advance past region in the spring.

"We're going to have some pretty strong seniors," Patton said. "The other teams, they've had some kids move on to play college golf. They'll still be solid, but this year I think we'll have a better chance to beat them."