Current World #3 Steve Stricker joins Tim Herron, Tom Lehman, John Harris and Azahara Munoz in the Allianz Roster of Pros
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) today announced it has signed Steve Stricker, the current number three ranked professional golfer in the world, to a sponsorship agreement beginning in 2010. Stricker joins four returning members of the Allianz roster including Azahara (Aza) Munoz of the LPGA Tour, and Minnesota natives Tim Herron of the PGA Tour, Tom Lehman of the PGA and Champions Tour, and John Harris of the Champions Tour. Allianz enters its 10th year as the title sponsor of the Allianz Championship at Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton, Fla., Feb. 19-21.
"Adding Steve Stricker to our roster of Allianz-sponsored golfers in 2010 is a tremendous benefit to the Allianz brand and one that gives us a stronger connection to the values that Steve is known for – hard work, determination and persistence," said Allianz Life President and CEO Gary C. Bhojwani. "In addition to sponsoring Steve, we are thrilled to continue our relationships with the current members of our sponsored pros. We look forward to supporting them as they strive to reach their respective leader boards throughout 2010."
Stricker enjoyed a banner year in 2009, with career-best numbers in wins (3), runner-up finishes (2), top-10s (11) and top-25 finishes (16). His 2009 PGA Tour victories included the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial in May, the John Deere Classic in July and the Deutsche Bank Championship in September. In addition to these individual wins, Stricker recently paired up with fellow Wisconsin native Jerry Kelly to win the Shark Shootout held Dec. 11-13 in Naples, Fla. Other highlights included a third place finish in the FedExCup standings and a successful defense of the Presidents Cup with his fellow U.S. teammates in October.
"With its Midwestern roots, dedication to customers and commitment to community service, Allianz is an ideal sponsor for me at this point in my career," said Stricker. "Coming off of such an incredible season, I am excited about my prospects for 2010 and I will be quite proud to represent Allianz as I compete around the world and continue to strive towards achieving my goals on the course."
Tim Herron, entering his tenth year of sponsorship with Allianz, had seven top-25 finishes in 2009 along with 16 of 27 made cuts. His best finish of the season was tied for 12th place at the Sony Open in Hawaii and best round was a 63 at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.
Signing in mid-2009, Tom Lehman will enjoy his first full year of sponsorship with Allianz in 2010. Lehman had a successful debut on the Champions Tour in April after turning 50 on March 7, teaming with Bernhard Langer to win the title at the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf in a two-hole playoff. The victory made him the 13th player to win his Champions Tour debut and one of only three players to have won on all three Tours. He is a former Ryder Cup Captain.
John Harris will enter his ninth year on the Champions Tour in 2010 and ninth year of sponsorship with Allianz. Harris has played 185 events on the Champions Tour since 2002, winning the Commerce Bank Championship in 2006.
Aza Munoz also signed with Allianz in mid-2009 after winning the 2009 NCAA Women's Golf Championship while at Arizona State. Munoz won her professional debut at the 2009 Madrid Ladies Masters, defeating LPGA Major Champion Anna Nordqvist at the first playoff hole with an eagle.
For more information about Allianz Life's corporate sponsorships, including the Allianz Championship, visit www.allianzlife.com/CorporateCommitment/CorporateSponsorships.aspx.
About Allianz Life
Founded in 1896, Allianz Life provides an array of annuities and life insurance products in the U.S. through a nationwide network of independent distribution. The company is part of Allianz SE, a global financial services organization that is the 20th largest company in the world based on revenue (Fortune Global 500, August 2009), employing nearly 155,000 people worldwide.
Contacts:
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
Laurie
Bauer, 763-765-6174
Laurie.bauer@allianzlife.com
