After a four‑year legal and corporate battle with 8AM Golf over control of his name and legacy, Jack Nicklaus has effectively reclaimed his brand.
An investment group led by Jack Nicklaus, TWG Global and Nicklaus Brown, under the name 20 Majors, acquired Nicklaus Companies from 8AM Golf in March for $35.7 million.
The acquisition reunites Nicklaus with images and brand marks that represent his storied career, including the Golden Bear. It brings his current design projects into Nicklaus Design, which has created more than 420 courses in 45 countries and 40 U.S. states.
“I am truly pleased to join forces with TWG Global to market the Nicklaus brand and expand upon the great success of Nicklaus Design’s golf course design business,” Nicklaus said.
The acquisition comes after Nicklaus was awarded a $50 million judgment for defamation against 8AM Golf over the control and use of his name and brand. After the verdict, Nicklaus Companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and the business was put up for auction. Howard Milstein acquired Nicklaus Companies in 2007 and set up 8AM Golf in 2018 as part of a broader portfolio of assets.