Jack Nicklaus on being awarded $50 million in defamation lawsuit: 'A big load off my shoulders'

Show Caption

The lawsuit accused his former business partners of spreading false rumors, including that he had dementia.
While the company was found liable, its executives were cleared and are not required to pay damages.

PALM BEACH GARDENS — Jack Nicklaus says he hasn’t had “a lot of fun,” the last three-plus years, or since filing suit against his former company to regain his reputation.

But, “that’s OK,” he added.

In his first public comments since a Palm Beach County jury awarded Nicklaus $50 million on Oct. 20 in a defamation lawsuit against the Nicklaus Companies, the legendary golfer said he did it for his family and his legacy.

“I did this thing more for my family than for me,” said Nicklaus, who lives in North Palm Beach with his wife, Barbara. The couple has five children, 24 grandchildren and a ninth great grandchild on the way.

“My legacy that I will have through the years will be very important to my family. I’m 85 years old, how long will I be around? I don’t know. It’s not about me. It’s about the future and family.

“But basically,” Nicklaus added, “a big load off my shoulders.”

The jury found Nicklaus Cos. actively participated in the false publishing of facts that damaged Jack’s reputation and exposed him to “ridicule, hatred, mistrust, distrust or contempt.” The jury, though, cleared company executives, and Jack’s former business partners, billionaire banker Howard Milstein and Andrew O’Brien.

Milstein, the company’s executive chairman, and O’Brien were named individually in the lawsuit. Neither is required to pay Nicklaus damages.

“My NIL (name, image, license) is very important to me, it’s very important to my family,” Nicklaus said. “Sometimes you got to stand up for it and go through what you have to go through.

“Life changes for all of us as we go along. I’ve been very blessed. Allowed me to win a few golf tournaments, make a name for myself. Protect that. It’s very important.”

Annika Sorenstam says Jack Nicklaus is ‘one of the more respected people in the sport, ever. Ever. Ever.’

Nicklaus was part of a panel at PGA National — along with Annika Sorenstam, Graeme McDowell and Henrik Stenson — who spoke before the Oct. 27 Integra Connect Classic, which benefits Conquer Cancer.

When Nicklaus told the audience he has won three recent lawsuits, they applauded. Stenson then asked the 18-time major winner if that means he now has won 21 majors.

“These were a lot tougher,” Nicklaus answered. “The golf was easy.”

Nicklaus filed the lawsuit in 2023, accusing his two former associates of orchestrating a campaign to damage his reputation as they held control of the company built on his name. Nicklaus’ attorneys said his former partners circulated rumors that Nicklaus had dementia, was no longer mentally fit to manage his affairs and he secretly negotiated a $750 million deal to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League.

“I don’t think they know what they are talking about,” said Sorenstam, the 10-time major winner and Hall of Famer. “That shows zero respect for what he’s done for the sport.

“He’s one of the more respected people in the sport, ever. Ever. Ever.”

While Nicklaus is feeling some burden has been lifted, he said the fight is not over.

“The proceedings, the judge, the jury were great,” Nicklaus said. “I’m happy with the outcome. Obviously, there’s going to be probably appeals and that stuff.

“This will continue to go on for awhile.”

Tom D’Angelo is a senior sports columnist and reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at tdangelo@pbpost.com.

Palm Beach Post reporters Hannah Phillips and Julius Whigham II contributed to this report.