Jack Nicklaus, the golf legend who has designed over 300 golf courses around the world, recently won an arbitration ruling that allows him to design golf courses under his own name again. Nicklaus had sold equity in Nicklaus Companies LLC in 2007 to banker Howard Milstein, who now owns the company entirely. The two had a falling out, leading to Nicklaus ending his participation with the company in 2017. His contract with the company included a five-year non-compete clause, which expired in May 2022.
Following the expiration of the non-compete clause, Nicklaus began offering course-design services through his new company 1-JN, operated by his family instead of Nicklaus Companies. Milstein attempted to prevent Nicklaus from using his name and likeness in his new business, but the arbitrator ruled in Nicklaus’ favor, allowing him to design courses and compete against the company that bears his name.
Despite the ruling, conflicts between Nicklaus and Milstein still exist. Nicklaus Companies filed a lawsuit against Nicklaus in New York regarding similar issues under other agreements, but the judge denied their request for a preliminary injunction to prevent Nicklaus from designing courses under his own name. The arbitrator’s response to these issues highlighted that the restrictive covenants in the Employment Agreement were meant to expire after a certain period, allowing Nicklaus to engage in the restricted activities on his own.
Nicklaus expressed regret that his relationship with Milstein did not turn out positively and that he had to fight for rights that were part of their agreement in 2007. Despite the conflicts, Nicklaus remains positive and is looking forward to designing more golf courses under his own name. A trial date for the lawsuit in New York has not been set, indicating that the legal battle between Nicklaus and Nicklaus Companies is ongoing.
Milstein has expanded his reach in the golf industry in recent years, acquiring other golf-related businesses such as Golf Magazine, TrueSpec, and various golf equipment and service enterprises. The arbitrator’s ruling allows Nicklaus to continue pursuing his passion for designing golf courses and bringing new projects to life. With his newfound freedom, Nicklaus is open to designing golf courses for those interested in having a course designed by a golf legend.
