Matt Lentz, Elkhorn High School class of 2009
Interview conducted by Ann Huddleston, Alumni Relations
If you’re a golf lover, or even enjoy meeting your friends for appetizers and a drink, you may have noticed a new indoor golf simulator/bar on 192nd and Pacific. Elkhorn High School graduate Matt Lentz, class of 2009, recently opened Fore Seasons with his business partner, Craigan Metcalf. Like so many others, Matt has enjoyed golf as a favorite pastime for years. After graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he spent 11 years with Werner Enterprises before finding the inspiration to launch Fore Seasons.
What influenced your decision to start this business?
In February 2024, my business partner and I were getting cabin fever from the winter weather and wanted to do something active. We both enjoy golf, so we thought it would be a great weekend activity. We checked out three different simulator locations in town but couldn’t secure a reservation at any of them. A week later, we made a reservation with four days notice and visited two of the facilities. While we had a blast golfing on the simulators, we were unimpressed by the bar and amenities outside of the golf experience. That sparked the idea—why not create a place with high-quality golf simulators but combine it with a lively sports bar environment that would appeal to both golfers and non-golfers alike?
How did you choose the technology/courses?
We tested three different simulator technologies before ultimately choosing Trackman. It stood out as the most advanced, utilizing drone flyover radar to map every detail of real PGA courses. The system combines radar sensors, high-speed cameras, and infrared lighting to track every aspect of ball flight with incredible accuracy. While it carries the highest price tag of any simulator on the market, we felt it was a worthwhile investment that would set us apart from the competition, ensuring we offer our customers the best experience.
Do you do leagues or tournaments?
Yes, we offer both leagues and tournaments! When we launched in December, leagues were really the backbone of our operation, running Monday through Thursday with two sessions each night. We filled up 90% of our available league spots. In addition to our leagues, we also host monthly tournaments that coincide with the courses the PGA professionals are playing that same weekend, giving our participants a unique and exciting experience. Of course, most times you can get online and book a simulator time. If there’s an open bay, you can also just drop in and play for $50/hour, there is no limit to the amount of people per bay.
Does owning a golf simulator satisfy your need to play the golf game?
Ironically, I’ve actually played less golf this winter than any other in my adult life since opening the business. Being surrounded by the game every day only makes me want to play more. Now that the business is beginning to find its rhythm, I’m hopeful I can carve out more time to get back into a consistent weekly routine. As a business owner, things rarely slow down—but I’m learning to delegate more effectively and focus my time on the areas that bring the most value to the business.
What was your plan after high school?
After high school, I decided to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and get involved in the Greek system. I joined Alpha Tau Omega, where there were roughly 10 other active Antler members while I was at school as well. At the time, I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do professionally, so I chose to major in Business Administration to keep my options open and gain a broad foundation that could apply to any different career paths.
After college?
After college, I still wasn’t entirely sure which career path I wanted to pursue. I had some mutual friends working at Werner Enterprises who spoke very highly of the company’s culture, so I decided to explore opportunities there. After going through a few rounds of interviews, I accepted an entry-level operations role. The trucking industry turned out to be fast-paced and constantly evolving, which kept things exciting and taught me a lot about logistics, communication, and problem-solving early in my career.
Do you have any stand out memories from high school?
My standout memories from high school all center around the tight-knit group of friends I grew up with. Whether it was sharing laughs in class, competing in sports, or hanging out after school, those experiences shaped some of the best years of my life. What made Elkhorn special was the fact that most of us went to school together from elementary through high school—so the friendships extended beyond just classmates to our families as well. While Elkhorn has grown a lot over the past 20 years, to me, it will always feel like the small, close-knit community on the edge of Omaha.
Who were your favorite teachers? Are there any lessons you still think about now?
Two that stand out are Mrs. Lundquist, my business teacher at Elkhorn High, and Mark Nuismer, who taught history and coached football and wrestling. They both had a unique way of connecting with students—treating us with respect, using humor, and making the material relatable. More importantly, they taught life lessons that extended beyond the classroom, and those lessons have stuck with me to this day.
What do you do in your spare time?
I’m a big sports enthusiast, so much of my free time is spent watching games, attending events, or playing in intramural leagues. I’m a diehard fan and season-ticket holder for both Husker football and Creighton basketball. Outside of sports, I stay busy at home with my wife, our golden retriever, and our 9-month-old daughter. Watching her grow and develop her own little personality has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and spending time together as a family—whether it’s a walk with the dog or a night relaxing outside on our patio—has become my favorite way to spend my free time.
Do you have any advice for current high school students?
Absolutely. My advice is this: it’s completely okay if you don’t know exactly what you want to do yet. I personally struggled with finding my identity as a young adult and figuring out my purpose. Just because some of your friends seem confident in their path doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. Everyone’s timeline is different. Focus on learning through life experiences and remember that personal growth is lifelong. Most people change careers several times throughout their working lives—it’s normal. Don’t be afraid to take risks; often, the biggest rewards come from stepping outside your comfort zone.
