University of North Texas Athletics
Getting To Know: Lenny Bergsson
9/18/2020 2:00:00 PM | Men's Golf
DENTON - In an ongoing series, members of the UNT men's golf team will tell fans a bit about themselves, answering some questions about golf and some about off-the-wall topics. This week, we have junior Lenny Bergsson, who tells us about his real first name and how the moniker of Lenny came about.
Q: How old were you when you started playing golf?
A: I started playing golf when I was 7 years old.
Q: Why were you initially interested in playing golf?
A: My dad dragged me on the course in Florida for the first time, and I loved it right away.
Q: Did you vacation in Florida a lot or what?
A: I've been fortunate enough that my family has a vacation home in Windermere, Florida, that we go to at least twice a year. It helped me a lot in the past being able to play and practice back when I lived in Iceland, as our season is about five months.
Q: Why did you keep playing golf? Was it just a matter of realizing you were pretty good or was it something more than that?
A: I always enjoyed playing golf when I was younger, but I was more dedicated to playing basketball. I figured a couple of years later that I would most likely have a better career as a golfer than a basketball player, so I put all of my focus on golf.
Q: What did you play in basketball?
A: I usually played as a point guard or shooting guard. I was decent at basketball, but when I started playing more golf about the age of 13, I figured that golf was better suited for me.
Q: What is your favorite thing about the game?
A: My favorite thing about golf is probably how hard it is. There are so many aspects of the game that might seem simple but they can easily make things miserable for you if you are not aware of them. I just like the challenge.
Q: What is your favorite club in your bag?
A: My 58-degree wedge
Q: To whom do you attribute your athletic ability?
A: I would say my dad, as he was a great athlete and not a bad golfer himself.
Q: What was it like in the 2018 World Cup to see your tiny country become a darling of the world and gain support from soccer fans all over the world?
A: It was very special to go and support our national soccer team at the World Cup in Russia. The atmosphere at the game against Argentina was unreal, and we walked away with one point, which is quite the achievement!
Q: What is your favorite golf memory?
A: My first win back home in Iceland.
Q: What is the best course you've ever played?
A: Boston Golf Club.
Q: Do you have a nickname? And how did you get it?
A: I guess my nickname is Lenny, but I use it here as my given name. (Lenny's real name is Hlynur) So, the name Lenny came up when I was about 14 years old and I started playing junior tournaments in Florida. Everybody had a problem pronouncing my name when I would play them, and the announcers always got really nervous when they had to announce my name on the first tee. My dad came up with the name Lenny so this wouldn't be a problem anymore, and it really has made my life and others' lives easier ever since. I've actually heard that a couple of others that are named Hlynur in my country have been using the name Lenny when they leave the country, which is quite hilarious. Not sure if it's just a coincidence or if my dad copied it. I get the question a lot, and there is just really no way to explain how to pronounce Hlynur, as it's extremely complicated for people who don't speak Icelandic.
Q: What is your favorite hobby when you're not playing golf?
A: Basketball or snowboarding.
Q: Why did you choose UNT?
A: UNT has a great golf program, an unbelievable practice facility and a great coaching staff. That's why I chose UNT.
Q: If you could have dinner with three people - dead or alive - who would it be?
A: Kobe Bryant, Albert Einstein and Tiger Woods.
Q: What is the best movie ever made?
A: The Dark Knight Rises
Q: What is your favorite TV show on Netflix?
A: Rick and Morty.
Q: How long did it take you to watch Tiger King?
A: About a week.
Q: Who is your favorite band or musician?
A: Travis Scott.
Q: Who on the team has the best taste in music aside from yourself? Who has the worst?
A: Hiroki (Miya) has the best. Zak (Karkaletsos) has easily the worst.
Q: Are you a dog or cat person? Do you have any pets?
A: Dogs for sure.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Sushi and pizza.
Q: If you were going to get a free dinner at any restaurant, where would you pick and why?
A: Fleming's Steakhouse. They have great steak there with my favorite sauce.
Q: You can take three things with you to a deserted island. What are you taking?
A: Water, tent and food.
Q: You have one day left on Earth. What's your last meal?
A: A large pepperoni pizza.
Q: Favorite type of dessert?
A: Chocolate milkshake.
Q: What was the biggest adjustment for you coming to the United States and what has been your favorite thing so far about being here?
A: The biggest adjustment has been just to be on my own and figuring things out by myself, for the most part. I have enjoyed the freedom of living by myself and meeting new people from around the world.
Q: Which of your teammates' home countries would you most like to visit and why?
A: I would love to visit Cam's and Hiroki's home country, New Zealand. I have never been there, and it seems to be a great country.
