Golf Legend Jack Nicklaus Wins $50M Defamation Suit Over Dementia Allegations

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus has been awarded $50 million in damages by a Florida jury in a defamation lawsuit against Nicklaus Companies, owned by billionaire Howard Milstein. The company had accused Nicklaus of suffering from dementia and questioned his mental capacity to manage his affairs, while also alleging he was negotiating a $750 million deal to become the face of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf breakaway league, claims Nicklaus denied. Nicklaus resigned from the company in 2017 and stepped down from its board in 2022, which triggered a noncompete clause that prevented him from designing golf courses for five years. The jury found that these false claims had damaged Nicklaus's reputation, subjecting him to ridicule, hatred, and mistrust. His attorney emphasized that Nicklaus was vindicated of allegations that he was selling out the PGA Tour for Saudi golf interests, and that proving reputational harm was challenging in defamation cases. This verdict marks a significant legal victory for the 18-time major champion, who is widely regarded as one of golf's greatest players.