Jack Nicklaus Reclaims His Legacy With a Bold Decision After Bankruptcy Battle

Jack Nicklaus has regained control of his business interests and brand following four years of legal proceedings, including defamation rulings and a bankruptcy filing.

The 18-time major champion completed the acquisition of Nicklaus Companies, the business he built over five decades, through a newly formed entity, 20 Majors, LLC, created to facilitate the deal.

Partnering with TWG Global and Nicklaus Brown, the acquisition was completed with external investment backing rather than as an individual buyback.

“The opportunities are great, and the future is bright,” Nicklaus said in a statement released Friday.

The deal returns control of the Golden Bear brand, as well as branding, licensing, and Nicklaus Design operations, to him. The design business includes more than 420 courses across 45 countries. For several years, Jack Nicklaus did not have control over these operations.

The dispute began in 2017 when Nicklaus left the company following disagreements with investor Howard Milstein. By 2022, the matter had escalated into legal proceedings, and in October 2025, a Florida jury awarded Nicklaus $50 million in a defamation case.

The court also found that the company made false statements regarding his views on LIV Golf and questioned his ability to run a business.

Howard Milstein subsequently filed for bankruptcy in November 2025, after which the acquisition process enabled a restructuring and sale of assets. Jack Nicklaus’ attorney, Eugene Stearns, commented on the situation during a November 25 hearing in Wilmington, Delaware.

“No one wants the company to succeed more than Jack Nicklaus,” Stearns said. “He has his name on the door.”

Jack Nicklaus said, “My family and I will be eternally grateful to our attorneys, whose passionate advocacy over the last four years made the seemingly impossible possible.”

The next steps for the company and its leadership remain to be seen.

The Company Behind the Dodgers, Lakers, and F1 and Now, the Golden Bear

TWG Global is an active investor with a portfolio that includes Guggenheim Investments, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, placing the business within a broader sports and investment portfolio.

The addition of the Nicklaus brand expands its presence in golf. Nicklaus Design has active projects across multiple continents and more than 420 courses already built.

At 85, Nicklaus isn’t winding down, and he’s already starting over on his own terms.