April 1, 2015
NORTHBROOK, Ill., April 1, 2015 – UL (Underwriters Laboratories), a global independent safety science company, today announced its sponsorship of three LPGA Tour champions, Shanshan Feng, Na Yeon Choi, and Azahara Munoz. As the title sponsor of the UL International Crown, UL deepens its relationship with the professional golf community by partnering with Feng, Choi, and Munoz, who will make global appearances on behalf of the company and wear the UL logo while competing on the tour through 2016.
“We are grateful to work with these promising young golfers to showcase our expertise in safety science globally through our partnerships with our ambassadors, the LPGA Tour, and the Golf Channel,” said Keith Williams, president and chief executive officer. Through 2018, UL will serve as title sponsor of the biannual UL International Crown, which will be contested in 2016 at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill., while the 2018 event will be held in the Republic of Korea.
“Shanshan, Na Yeon, and Azahara are obviously elite on the golf course, but it is their reputations off of it that lead us to partner with them,” Williams added.
“I’m excited UL is partnering with me,” Feng said. “In China, we see so much progress and innovation and I admire UL’s commitment to helping bring science-based safety to all parts of the world.”
Chinese-born Feng, a four-time winner on the LPGA Tour, became the first-ever Chinese major winner in 2012 after her victory at the Wegmans LPGA Championship. Feng turned professional in 2008 and has risen to fifth in the Rolex World Ranking.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to partner with UL and all of the history they have of making lives safer.” Choi said.
Na Yeon Choi, an eight-time champion on the LPGA Tour, including the 2012 U.S. Women’s Open, had her most successful season in 2010 when she won the Vare Trophy and led the tour’s Money List. Choi joined the LPGA in 2008 and has amassed nearly $10 million in earnings. She currently is ranked 17th in the Rolex World Ranking.
“I grew up surrounded with UL-certified products, so when I heard UL, a company whose mission is about keeping people and places safe, was interested in partnering with me, I was thrilled,” Munoz said. “My parents are teachers and I think of UL like teachers who are helping people understand the importance of safety and science.”
Azahara Munoz burst on to the stage after winning the British Women’s Amateur Championship in 2009. While at Arizona State University, Munoz was the 2008 NCAA Individual National champion, and led the Sun Devils to the Team National Championship in 2009. Since turning professional in 2009, Munoz has enjoyed much success by winning the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year in 2010, the 2012 Sybase Match Play Championship, and by qualifying for two Solheim Cups (2011, 2013). Munoz is current ranked 16th in Rolex World Ranking.
About UL
UL is a premier global independent safety science company that has championed progress for more than 120 years. Its nearly 11,000 professionals are guided by the UL mission to promote safe working and living environments for all people. UL uses research and standards to continually advance and meet ever-evolving safety needs. We partner with businesses, manufacturers, trade associations and international regulatory authorities to bring solutions to a more complex global supply chain. For more information about our certification, testing, inspection, advisory and education services, visit www.UL.com.