WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — Golf legend Jack Nicklaus has been awarded $50 million by a Florida jury in his defamation lawsuit against his former business partners at the Nicklaus Companies, ending a years-long legal feud that centered on false claims about his ties to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League.
What happened?
Nicklaus, 85, sued billionaire banker Howard Milstein and other company officials after they allegedly told media outlets that the 18-time major champion had considered a $750 million offer to become the face of the controversial LIV Golf venture.
The lawsuit also claimed the company spread false statements suggesting Nicklaus was mentally unfit to manage his own business affairs and was suffering from dementia — accusations his attorney, Eugene Stearns, said caused real harm to Nicklaus’ reputation.
“It’s always hard in a defamation case to prove damages to reputation,” Stearns said. “But this was about clearing Jack’s name. He never sold out the PGA Tour — and now he’s been vindicated.”
How did the dispute start?
The feud traces back to 2022, when Nicklaus stepped down from the Nicklaus Companies’ board after years of tension with Milstein. The company, which had paid Nicklaus $145 million in 2007 for exclusive rights to his golf course designs, image, and branding, later sued him for breach of contract and tortious interference, claiming he diverted business opportunities for personal gain.
Nicklaus responded that the allegations were false and said his refusal to align with LIV Golf was rooted in loyalty to the PGA Tour, which he considers central to his legacy.
Court documents showed Nicklaus met with representatives of Golf Saudi in 2021 only at the request of his company — and declined their leadership offer once he learned of their connection to LIV Golf.
What the verdict means
On October 20, jurors found that the Nicklaus Companies “actively participated in the false publishing of facts” that damaged the golf icon’s reputation and exposed him to “ridicule, hatred, and contempt.”
However, the panel cleared Milstein and company executive Andrew O’Brien of individual liability, meaning they will not pay damages personally.
Following the verdict, Nicklaus, a longtime North Palm Beach resident, hugged family and friends but declined to comment publicly. His attorney said the decision brings long-overdue closure to a “painful chapter.”
Legal background
Earlier this year, a New York judge ruled that Nicklaus retains the right to use his own name, image, and likeness, even as the company continues to sell products under the “Golden Bear” brand.
The $50 million award marks one of the most significant defamation verdicts in modern sports business history.
