“It was fun,” Lentz said from Orlando, Fla., where he is attending the University of Central Florida. “He was just a normal guy and that was one of the best parts of it.”
Lentz’ portion of the show was filmed last May at Four Bridges Golf Club in Liberty Twp. He’s been working as a demo technician for TaylorMade the past two summers.
At the end of the show, when the CEO meets with the unsuspecting employees to reveal his true identity, King said he was “impressed” with Lentz and gave him a two-year, $50,000 sponsorship and unlimited resources to reach his dream of playing professionally once he graduates from college.
“I’ve got two years left in school and I need that time to get ready,” Lentz said. “I’m not going to use this sponsorship until I’m ready because I don’t want to waste this opportunity.”
Lentz admitted it was difficult to keep what happened to him a secret. He was contractually obligated to not tell anyone before the show aired.
“It’s definitely a blessing and I’m very proud of him,” his mother Brenda Lentz said.
Lentz has experienced plenty of success on the golf course. He won the Ohio Division II high school golf championship as a junior in 2005. He also is a two-time Middletown Men’s City Golf champion, winning in 2007 and 2009.
“I’m very fortunate, but this isn’t about me,” Lentz said. “It’s about all the people who have helped and supported me along the way.
“My long term goal is to play at the highest level I can, but I’ll never forget where I’m from,” he added. “Everybody needs a break at some point in life and I got mine with TaylorMade.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2852 or Skip.Weaver@coxinc.com.
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