Jack Nicklaus allowed to use own name for course design after court ruling
Jack Nicklaus Companies sued Jack Nicklaus in May for promoting a golf tournament in Belgium, his involvement in the production of a video game and alleged talks with Saudi Arabia and LIV Golf.
A supreme court judge in New York has allowed Jack Nicklaus to use his own name in future golf course design projects in competition with his former company.
After a three-day hearing, it was confirmed that Nicklaus will be able to use his own name in future construction which he intends to carry out with a new firm named 1-JN.
"I have been blessed in my long life to have more than one successful career - first playing the game and then designing courses for where this great game is played," Nicklaus said in a statement, reported by Golf Digest.
Related: Jack Nicklaus says business partner treated him "like property"
"It has been more than 50 years since my first course, but I am even more passionate than ever about golf course design.
"I strongly believe that my ideas and creativity are even better now than they have ever been, and I am inspired to continue producing memorable and sustainable golf experiences that can be enjoyed for years to come."
Jack Nicklaus Companies wrote in an email to Golf Digest that there is still a full trial to come which will determine if Nicklaus has full right to compete with the company he sold in 2007.
The company also said that any such work will be subject to the court's limitations on the use of the company's intellectual property and these issues are "yet to be litigated in full, and after hearing the evidence at trial, we will learn the final decision of the court."
"The court’s injunction is a step in that direction. We still hope for a collaborative and amicable resolution to these matters," the company said in the email.
"Despite the disparaging statements orchestrated by Mr Nicklaus’ attorneys against Nicklaus Companies and Jack’s business partner, we continue to have great admiration for Jack and his accomplishments, and will use our rights to his name, image and likeness to keep his legend alive.
"We will do everything we can to ensure his legacy lives on for generations to come."
The company originally sued the 82-year-old seven months ago for breach of contract, tortious interference and breach of fiduciary duty.
The complaint said that Nicklaus received a large cash payment to promote the Soudal Open on the DP World Tour and it also accused him of involvement in a video game that featured The Masters and the PGA Tour.
Nicklaus was supposedly offered $100 million to join the LIV Golf Invitational Series too, but this was denied and called "untrue."
