Bayley heading to Washington State in '14

Derek Bayley admits that he always seems to play well at the Palouse Ridge Golf Club in Pullman.

Starting next fall, the Washington State men's golf program also will hope so.

Bayley, a senior at Lakeland High, verbally committed to the program on Saturday, choosing the program over six other programs.

"I'm excited," Bayley said. "Really excited."

Bayley finished sixth for Lakeland at last year's Palouse Ridge Invitational, shooting a 72.

Bayley went on unofficial visits to Washington, Oregon, Oregon State, Arizona, Arizona State and Gonzaga.

"I really like the coach Garrett Clegg," Bayley said. "I like the guys on the team and those that are coming in next year. They get to travel a lot over the country and the Pac-12 Conference is a powerhouse of golf in the nation. The Pac-12 is unbelievably good at golf. I think the Arizona schools are too far from home for me. Washington State just fit well for me. It felt like home when I visited for the weekend."

Bayley, who underwent surgery for a shoulder injury, had the brace removed on Wednesday, but is still a long way from getting back to competition.

"It's getting better," Bayley said. "The doctor says I'm out four to six months and it will be some time of therapy and recovering. That timeframe will be right about the time for the start of the golf season."

Bayley won the state 4A individual medalist title in 2011.

He can make the commitment official during the first day of signing on Nov. 1.