TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Two FAMU golfers will make their television debuts on June 15, on the Golf Channel. Wesley “Wes” Yates and Shepherd “Shep” Archie III, both graduates of FAMU and former members of the Rattler golf team, will be paired together as contestants on a new reality show and golf competition called “Altered Course.”
The show features extraordinary hole layouts, exceeding 700 yards, while racing against time. The show will challenge the players’ golf skills, physical fitness and strength in strategy. The two were in town recently, with a Golf Channel camera crew in tow, filming a preview segment for the show.
Coach Marvin Green was elated to see his former players get the opportunity to showcase their skills on the big stage. “I’m excited for them. They were both really big on golf, playing all their lives. Both of these talented players got golf scholarships and have competed all their lives. They both have aspirations to compete on the next level, and to be on a worldwide stage to showcase their talents and personalities, I think it’s a great opportunity for them,” Green said.
Yates, was a member of the Rattler Golf Team from 2007- 2011. Of the pair, Yates’ strength is his driver. He is long and accurate from the tee, which will be his strength on the team.
Archie’s strength is in his short game. Approach shots and chipping are the areas he will lead the duo in. He played on the Rattler squad from 2008-2012. His high school success resulted in being invited to play in the Wal-Mart Open of Pebble Beach. He earned eight wins his senior season.
Archie and Yates both hail from Georgia, with Yates being from the Atlanta area (Fairburn/Lady of Mercy High School), while Archie resided in Augusta (The Academy of Richmond County). They were both products of First Tee programs in their respective areas. The two were roommates in college, every since the arrival of Archie, one year behind Yates.
The inseparable pair have grown together like brothers. It extends even to a call placed to them for this article, as they were still at the Golf Channel studios after an appearance on the “Morning Drive,” golf channel morning show. Talking over each other at times, it was impossible to distinguish which of the two the comments can be attributed to.
“This experience has been surreal. We kind of were not prepared for all of this, but it has been fun. Playing at FAMU, having to carry our own bags, without the luxury of carts, has prepared us well for this challenge. In college we had to workout at 6 a.m. in the gym. That preparation has been huge for us, as this show certainly challenges you physically, even more so than a regular round of golf. This experience of being in a situation with the added challenges and different pressure added should prepare us for making a run at professional golf. We’ve been watching social media and we’re seeing an incredible amount of support. From this point we are seeing a lot of support,” Yates and Archie said.
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