Jack Nicklaus Wins £37 Million Defamation Lawsuit Over False LIV Golf Claims
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus has won a massive £37 million defamation lawsuit against his former business partners at Nicklaus Companies, after a Florida jury found that false claims made by the company damaged the 18-time major champion’s reputation.
The 85-year-old icon, widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers in history, alleged that Nicklaus Companies falsely claimed he had secretly negotiated a £560 million deal to become the face of the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf League—an accusation that the jury determined to be entirely untrue.
🏌️♂️ The Background
Nicklaus stepped down from his executive role at Nicklaus Companies in 2017, ten years after merging his original venture, Golden Bear International, into the firm run by billionaire Howard Milstein.
The defamation case stemmed from statements made during a prior lawsuit in New York, where company officials implied Nicklaus was involved in secret negotiations with LIV Golf. Those claims, according to Nicklaus and his legal team, were “maliciously false” and circulated in the media—tarnishing the PGA Tour legend’s image.
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⚖️ The Verdict
After a two-week trial, a Florida jury ruled that Nicklaus Companies “actively participated” in spreading false information, which subjected the golf icon to “ridicule, mistrust, and contempt.”
Although Milstein and company executive Andrew O’Brien were cleared of personal liability, the company itself was found responsible for defamation and ordered to pay £37 million in damages.
The jury also sided with Nicklaus on a second claim—that company executives had falsely insinuated he was suffering from dementia and no longer mentally capable of managing his business affairs.
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🗣️ Nicklaus’ Attorney Speaks
Nicklaus’ lawyer, Eugene Stearns, praised the ruling, telling ESPN:
> “What was important was the dispute that arose 3½ years ago when the company told the world that Jack was selling out the PGA Tour for Saudi golf. That was not true. We’re happy that Jack’s been vindicated.”
Stearns also said during his closing argument:
> “The story is a lie. What they wanted to create in the minds of the public is that Jack Nicklaus is an old guy who sold out to the Saudis. It simply wasn’t true.”
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🏆 Nicklaus’ Loyalty to the PGA Tour
Nicklaus has been outspoken about his loyalty to the PGA Tour, and this case reinforced that stance. In a 2022 interview with Fire Pit Collective, he revealed that he turned down an offer exceeding £75 million from the Saudi group.
> “I was offered something in excess of $100 million by the Saudis to do the job—probably similar to what Greg Norman is doing,” Nicklaus said.
“I turned it down. Once verbally, once in writing. I said, ‘Guys, I have to stay with the PGA Tour. I helped start the PGA Tour.’”
According to court documents, the meeting with Golf Saudi was originally arranged to discuss a course design project, not a leadership role in the breakaway league.
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📉 Damage to Reputation
The defamatory statements painted Nicklaus as a traitor to the PGA Tour and caused what his attorneys described as “irreparable harm” to his public image and long-standing relationships within golf.
The jury’s decision now clears his name, restoring the integrity of the man known as “The Golden Bear.”
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📰 Summary
Case: Jack Nicklaus vs. Nicklaus Companies
Verdict: Jury rules in Nicklaus’ favor
Damages Awarded: £37 million
False Claim: Secret £560m LIV Golf deal
Key Finding: Nicklaus Companies defamed and misrepresented Nicklaus’ mental health
Nicklaus’ Response: “I had to stay with the PGA Tour. I helped start it.”
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👏 Legacy Intact
With the verdict delivered, Jack Nicklaus stands vindicated—not just legally, but morally—in his long battle to protect his reputation and lifelong dedication to the sport he helped build.
His victory serves as a message to the golf world: even amid modern controversies like LIV Golf, integrity still matters.