Golf legend Jack Nicklaus gets best possible news on eve of 2025 Masters

Multiple major champion Jack Nicklaus has won his legal battle against a former business associate, according to a report. 

Sportico have reported the 18-time major champion has been granted the right to use his own name, image and likeness (NIL). 

Judge Joel Cohen, sitting in the New York Civil Division Supreme Court, ruled in favour of Nicklaus.

He has outlined his reasons why in a 35-page summary judgment published three days ago that reaffirms Nicklaus retains full control of his NIL. 

The decision was granted mainly on the grounds Nicklaus 'never contractually granted exclusive licensing authority for his NIL', the report stated.

What happened?

The case revolves around a 2007 transaction. 

Nicklaus entered into a business partnership with financier Howard Milstein in 2007. 

As part of this arrangement, Nicklaus sold the rights to his name and likeness to the Nicklaus Companies, which Milstein controls, for $145m.

Over time, disagreements arose between Nicklaus and Milstein regarding the use of Nicklaus's name and his involvement in golf course design projects.

Court documents later revealed Nicklaus accused Milstein of trying to own 'every aspect of his life'.

"Once Howard had permanent control of the company, he acted as if he owned me," Nicklaus said. 

"He tried to control every aspect of my life, from what I did, to whom I spoke with, to where I went, as if I was his property."

He added: "I always tried to be respectful, but there was no respect in return. I also tried very hard to make the relationship work.

"But it became increasingly obvious that I had aligned myself with a person who didn't respect me as a human being."

In 2022, Milstein sued Nicklaus alleging that he breached their agreement by engaging in golf-related ventures independently. 

The court initially ruled that Nicklaus could not use his name for new golf projects without the company's permission.

What has been the reaction?

Unsurprisingly, Nicklaus' lead attorney Eugene E. Stearns was delighted and told Sportico the golf legend was extremely pleased with the decision. 

"The Court explicitly ruled that Mr. Nicklaus owns his name, image, and likeness rights and may license the use of those rights to third-parties in connection with the design of golf courses, endorsements, and other commercial purposes," he said. 

Nicklaus Companies said they were 'disappointed' and believe there are several grounds to appeal. 

You can read the full report here.