Overview
- A Palm Beach County jury found Nicklaus Companies liable for defamation after it spread false assertions that Jack Nicklaus secretly discussed a $750 million role with LIV Golf.
- Jurors said the company’s actions subjected the 85-year-old to “ridicule, hatred, mistrust, distrust or contempt,” and they awarded $50 million in damages.
- Billionaire Howard Milstein and executive Andrew O’Brien were not found personally liable, limiting responsibility to the company.
- Court records show a 2021 meeting with Golf Saudi was arranged to discuss course design, during which Nicklaus learned of a potential LIV leadership role and declined.
- Earlier rulings freed Nicklaus from a noncompete and affirmed his right to use his name, image and likeness, while Nicklaus Companies retains its purchased trademarks; the company has not said if it will appeal.