Overview
- Jurors found Nicklaus Companies liable for defamation while clearing executives Howard Milstein and Andrew O’Brien of personal responsibility.
- The claims focused on alleged false statements linking Nicklaus to LIV Golf/Golf Saudi and comments portraying him as mentally unfit.
- Nicklaus Companies denies wrongdoing, arguing its statements were truthful or necessary and asserting evidence of more extensive Saudi dealings.
- As a public figure, Nicklaus faced the actual malice standard, which the jury concluded was met for the company’s statements.
- A separate New York ruling earlier affirmed Nicklaus’ control over licensing his name and image for design work while the company retains trademarks, and he resumed independent designs after his non-compete ended in 2022.