A Florida jury has mandated that Jack Nicklaus receive $50 million, as decided on Monday, relating to a legal action for reputational harm initiated against Nicklaus Companies.
The legal representatives for Nicklaus successfully contended that Nicklaus Companies had propagated inaccuracies, asserting back in 2021 that Nicklaus engaged in discussions with LIV Golf regarding a proposition of $750 million. This was to become the recognized personality representing the Saudi-backed rival startup to the PGA Tour, and that they disseminated this narrative to various news sources.
“In defamation cases, demonstrating harm to one’s image can be challenging, notably when dealing with an individual like Jack, who possesses such a distinguished reputation,” Eugene Stearns, Nicklaus’ legal counsel, communicated to ESPN on the specified Monday. “However, the core issue revolved around the contention that surfaced approximately 3½ years prior when the company conveyed the notion that Jack was compromising the PGA Tour for monetary gain associated with Saudi golf ventures, which was demonstrably untrue. Therefore, we express satisfaction that Jack’s integrity has been upheld.”
Nicklaus asserted he engaged in discussions with Saudi Golf pertaining to the blueprinting of a novel golfing terrain, however, upon their discourse veering towards the subject of LIV involvement throughout said assembly, he expressed disinterest. The jury, according to details published in the Palm Beach Post, concluded that Nicklaus Companies had negatively impacted Nicklaus’ public perception through the facilitation of erroneous information regarding his affiliation and that he was then subjected to “derision, animosity, suspicion, doubt, or scorn.”
This instance represents not the inaugural legal confrontation between Nicklaus and Nicklaus Companies. The distinguished golfing figure severed ties with the corporation back in 2017, subsequent to transferring entitlements concerning his golfing establishments, brand association, and Golden Bear apparel collection. He subsequently relinquished his position on the board in 2022. Following his departure, Nicklaus was subject to a five-year commitment that restricted him from engaging in competitive activities. Nicklaus Companies lodged a formal grievance, alleging Nicklaus was unlawfully rerouting commercial opportunities away from the corporation for personal enrichment.
A Florida-based adjudicator decreed in 2024 that Nicklaus was no longer obligated to uphold the non-compete stipulation and possessed the prerogative to design golfing terrains. Subsequently, a judge issued a ruling this past April, affirming Nicklaus’ entitlement to leverage his identity, image, and likeness.
