Overview
- The Palm Beach County verdict found Nicklaus Companies defamed the 85-year-old by spreading false claims that he weighed a $750 million LIV Golf role and by questioning his mental fitness.
- Jurors determined the statements exposed Nicklaus to “ridicule, hatred, mistrust, distrust or contempt.”
- Billionaire Howard Milstein and company executive Andrew O’Brien were named in the suit but were cleared of personal liability.
- Court filings show a company official set up a 2021 meeting with Golf Saudi about course design, where Nicklaus says he immediately declined any LIV leadership offer.
- The ruling follows a 2024 arbitration releasing him from a noncompete and a 2025 New York decision affirming his right to use his name, while the company retains certain trademarks; the company has not indicated whether it will appeal.