Jack Nicklaus Wins $50 Million in Defamation Lawsuit

A Florida jury awarded legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus $50 million in a defamation lawsuit against billionaire banker Howard Milstein and other executives from Nicklaus Companies. The decision came on October 20, 2025, following claims made in a previous New York court lawsuit.

Details of the Defamation Case

Nicklaus, aged 85, initiated the lawsuit in response to allegations made against him. He claimed that Milstein and others falsely suggested he was considering a $750 million deal to represent the Saudi Arabian-financed LIV Golf League. These statements were reportedly shared with various media outlets.

Legal Arguments and Representation

Nicklaus’s attorney, Eugene Stearns, emphasized the difficulty of proving reputational damage in defamation cases. He noted that the accusations suggested Nicklaus was “selling out” the PGA Tour for monetary gain. Stearns expressed satisfaction with the jury’s verdict, stating, “we’re happy that Jack’s been vindicated.”

Background Information

• In 2021, a Nicklaus Companies official invited Nicklaus to discuss designing a golf course in Saudi Arabia.
• During this meeting, Nicklaus declined an offer from Golf Saudi to take a leadership role in LIV Golf, valuing his legacy with the PGA Tour.
• Furthermore, the defendants questioned Nicklaus’s mental fitness, claiming he suffered from dementia, which his legal team refuted.

Nicklaus Companies vs. Nicklaus

The legal contest between Nicklaus and Nicklaus Companies began in May 2007 when the company paid him $145 million for exclusive rights to his services. Nicklaus resigned from the company in 2017, leading to a noncompete clause that restricted his ability to design courses independently.

In May 2022, following Nicklaus’s departure from the board, the company filed a lawsuit against him for alleged tortious interference and breach of contract. Nicklaus, in previous statements, denied these claims, asserting their relationship had been complex.

Recent Legal Developments

In July 2024, a Florida arbitrator ruled in favor of Nicklaus, lifting the noncompete clause, allowing him to resume designing golf courses. Additionally, a New York court confirmed in April that he retains rights to use his name, image, and likeness.

This recent verdict marks a significant victory for Nicklaus, both financially and ethically, affirming his reputation in the world of golf.