Overview
- A Florida jury found for Jack Nicklaus in his defamation suit against Howard Milstein and other Nicklaus Companies officials, awarding $50 million.
- Nicklaus alleged the defendants pushed a false narrative that he weighed a $750 million deal to front the Saudi-funded LIV Golf, a role he says he rejected.
- Court filings state Nicklaus declined any LIV leadership role to honor his PGA Tour legacy, following a 2021 meeting about a Saudi course design.
- The lawsuit also challenged claims that Nicklaus was not mentally fit to manage his affairs, assertions his attorneys described as false and damaging.
- Earlier rulings freed Nicklaus from a noncompete in July 2024 and affirmed his right to use his name, image and likeness in April, while the company retained certain trademarks after a 2007 rights deal.