GBR Weekly | Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods Both Involved In Legal Disputes
TNT will broadcast December's The Showdown match, while the number one ranked player in the PGA Tour University will earn a spot in the field of the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
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Sit back with your favorite drink and enjoy the latest news from Golf Bizz Review.
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Back to this week’s newsletter and there is as much action happening in the courtroom as on the golf course.
Join us this week as we delve into:
Nicklaus Vs Nicklaus - the strange situation that Jack Nicklaus finds himself in for control of his name, image, and likeness rights.
TNT Announced As Host Broadcaster For The Showdown - venue and date also announced in the build up to the PGA Tour vs LIV Golf head-to-head.
Tiger Woods and Sun Day Red - also face a legal dispute from a company specializing in cooling products for athletes claiming Sun Day Red are copying their logo.
Troon Debuts New Website and Membership Options - significant digital upgrades will make it easier to ineract with Troon’s facilities.
PGA Tour University Winner Will Play in Dubai - the 2024 winner will follow in the footsteps of Ludvig Aberg and play in the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
St Andrews Links Trust Launch Plans to Update The Links Clubhouse - major revamp of the existing facility to meet the demand of increased business at the home of golf.
McCarty Wins On Third PGA Tour Start - Matt McCarty’s stellar year continues with his first PGA Tour victory after three wins on the KFT.
Bradbury Captures FedEx Open De France - Englishman, Dan Bradbury, wins his second DP World Tour title at Le Golf National.
The Continuing Complicated Case of Jack Nicklaus Vs Jack Nicklaus
Life should be settling down for Jack Nicklaus. However, the 84 year old finds himself in an on-going legal dispute with former parter, Howard Milstein, over the use of his name and image rights. The battle now also includes an AI-generated Nicklaus, which was created in 2022, and featured in an article in Golf.com.
The full painful extent of the situation that Nicklaus finds himself in has been captured by Eriq Gardner, writing in puck.news. Summarising the key events takes us back to 2007:
2007:
Jack Nicklaus entered a $145 million agreement with the Nicklaus Companies, relinquishing the rights to his name, image, and likeness as part of a larger estate plan.
The deal included $20 million for each of Nicklaus’s five children and donations to charity, marking what he viewed as a strategic retirement move.
Howard Milstein, a real estate and banking billionaire, acquired a controlling interest in the Nicklaus Companies, envisioning it as a billion-dollar venture.
2008:
Following the 2008 financial crisis, the golf industry faced a downturn, impacting Nicklaus Companies’ growth prospects.
As a cost-cutting measure, Milstein reduced Nicklaus’s salary from $1.6 million to $1.4 million and made organizational changes that reduced Nicklaus’s influence within the company.
2017:
Nicklaus attempted to buy out Milstein’s stake in the Nicklaus Companies, aiming to regain control of his name and legacy.
Milstein refused, leading Nicklaus to formally resign from his role within the company. However, he remained associated with the company under a tense, standstill agreement.
2020:
Tensions continued to simmer as Milstein tightened control, including legal actions against Nicklaus’s son for alleged intellectual property infringements related to the Nicklaus brand.
2022:
Jack Nicklaus formally cut ties with the Nicklaus Companies, filing an arbitration claim challenging the company's right to restrict his commercial activities based on noncompete agreements.
In response, Nicklaus Companies filed its own lawsuit, asserting that Nicklaus was infringing on company-owned rights by engaging in independent ventures.
A controversial Golf.com article introduced a “Digital Jack Nicklaus,” AI avatar, sparking further legal dispute. Nicklaus argued the avatar infringed on his “moral rights” and was unauthorized.
As part of the arbitration, Nicklaus claimed Milstein spread rumors that he was considering joining the LIV Golf league, a move that would harm his reputation within the PGA Tour community.
July 2023:
An arbitrator issued a split decision, ruling that while the noncompete was no longer enforceable, Nicklaus Companies retained rights to social media accounts bearing his name, as well as use of the digital avatar.
The arbitration did not resolve Nicklaus’s request for control over his name and likeness rights, setting the stage for additional litigation.
Late 2023:
The ongoing conflict moved to a New York court, with Nicklaus Companies seeking summary judgment to establish clear ownership over his name and image rights, as well as damages for alleged breaches of contract by Nicklaus.
Nicklaus’s legal team countered, arguing that without explicit written transfer of publicity rights, Nicklaus retains certain inviolable personal rights under Florida law.
Adding a futuristic twist to this legal saga, the Nicklaus Companies introduced a digital version of Nicklaus himself. The AI-powered avatar was intended to further extend the brand into new ventures, a move that underscores the larger implications of the dispute for celebrities everywhere.
A 2022 Golf.com article that introduced the “Digital Jack Nicklaus” avatar hinted at how the company envisioned using this digital likeness for years, even decades, into the future. Ironically, Milstein, who owns Golf.com, used the platform to promote this next chapter, only to have it become a focal point in the arbitration, with Nicklaus claiming it infringed on his “moral rights.”
Nicklaus’ legal team argued that without his written approval, any statements attributed to him or expansions into new markets are a violation of the original 2007 agreement. However, the arbitrator sided with Milstein, allowing Nicklaus Companies to maintain control over Nicklaus’s social media accounts and use his digital likeness—provided they stay clear of defamatory content.
In an ironic turn, Milstein’s lawyers are now making the argument that any defamation against Nicklaus would actually harm the company, given that it owns his brand. This argument raises profound questions about identity and intellectual property: when someone sells the rights to their own name, does that mean they relinquish the ability to protect it?
In the midst of this legal showdown, Nicklaus’s team is seeking a ruling that clarifies the extent of the company’s rights, especially as they pertain to moral rights and digital likenesses.
Meanwhile, Milstein’s team is pushing for a summary judgment that would establish Nicklaus Companies as the uncontested owner of his name, image, and likeness. As oral arguments approach, this case underscores the complexities that arise when personal identity is reduced to contractual terms—a cautionary tale for anyone considering such arrangements in an era of rapid technological change.
The coming weeks may be pivotal in determining not only who controls the Jack Nicklaus brand but also what rights celebrities can retain when they sell the essence of their identities. For now, Nicklaus remains embroiled in a battle for control over the very name that he made famous, with the potential to shape the future for countless entertainers, athletes, and public figures who might one day find themselves facing similar challenges.
PGA Tour Vs LIV Golf Match To Be Shown On TNT
December 17, 2024, has been confirmed as the date for the “The Showdown” between LIV Golf’s Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka take on the PGA Tour’s Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.
The match will take place at the MGM resort course, Shadow Creek Golf Club in Las Vegas. Shadow Creek previously played host to the 2018 match between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson and the LPGA has staged a matchplay event at the course since 2021.
TNT has been announced as the main broadcaster for the The Showdown, continuing its run of broadcasting the nine previous made for television golf exhibition matches in recent years.
Full specifics of the broadcast will be announced closer to the event, however, it is likely that the head-to-head will have a prime time slot and will also be streaming on MAX.
Front Office Sports’ David Rumsey wrote about TNT coming on board last week. Rumsey has written about The Showdown not being a one-off and that a six year deal has been announced with the matches being rotated across the globe.
As an indication of this, next year’s event is penciled in to take place in the Middle East, while MGM Resorts International who own Shadow Creek Golf Club, has signed a deal to hold the event on alternate years.
The format for the match has been described as a “high-stakes” head-to-head matchplay in the style of a Ryder Cup match, with all 18 holes potentially in play as opposed to some of the games that have previously been played only being for a maximum of 12 holes.
Bryan Zuriff, who is the brains behind The Showdown and the The Match and runs BZ Entertainment, one of the management companies backing The Showdown, has indicated that neither tours has confirmed how they will acknowledge The Showdown in the coming weeks leading up to the event.
When interviewed recently on his participation, Rory McIlroy told reporters that he had told PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monohan, that himself and Scottie Scheffler would play regardless of any consequences.
While no headway is being made in the proposed agreement between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and the Saudi-backed PIF, The Showdown will be seen as an event that can demonstrate the player’s desires to have more opportunities to compete against each other.
“This is more than money. This is a lot of pride. There’s no amount of money that’s going to make anyone excited to watch something. These are guys that need to win this for many different reasons.” - Bryan Zuriff, creator of The Showdown.
“We all want to see more of the best golfers in the world going head-to-head, battling it out on the back nine of a tournament,” McIlroy said. “At a time where the professional game has felt divided, we believe this event can bring fans an incredible day of entertainment.” - Rory McIlroy.
Tiger Woods And Sun Day Red Set For A Legal Battle
Reported in both Front Office Sports and Golf Monthly, Tiger Woods finds himself at the centre of a legal action as his Sun Day Red apparel line faces a trademark dispute with Tigeraire, a company specializing in cooling products for athletes.
Sun Day Red was officially launched earlier this year as a partnership between Woods and TaylorMade Golf, the Sun Day Red line pays homage to Woods’ tradition of wearing red on tournament Sundays and celebrates his 15 major championship victories. Woods has joked that he would like the logo to change when he captures his 16th major, although that might not happen next year as he recovers from his latest back surgery.
The Heart of the Dispute
Tigeraire's Accusation: Tigeraire filed a notice of opposition with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, accusing Woods and his company of "unlawfully hijacking" their logo, alleging that the Sun Day Red branding violates federal and state intellectual property laws.
Tigeraire's filing argues that a state of brand confusion exists, stating:
“The actions of SDR, TaylorMade and Tiger Woods blatantly ignore Tigeraire’s long-standing protected mark, brand and identity, and disregard the consumer confusion their actions create.”
Tigeraire's Origins and Concerns
Founded in 2020, Tigeraire initially partnered with Louisiana State University to develop a cooling helmet, later expanding to a range of wearable cooling products designed specifically for athletes. The company has also created fans that attach to caps to keep golfers cool on the course, raising concerns about potential confusion between their logo and that of Sun Day Red.
Sun Day Red Hit Back
Following the trademark notice, Woods's legal team filed a motion to dismiss Tigeraire’s original objection, arguing that their lawsuit is opportunistic. They claim Tigeraire is attempting to profit from threats of legal action rather than pursuing a legitimate grievance.
In a 75-page document, Sun Day Red provided evidence that Tigeraire has altered its marketing strategy to overlap with golf, claiming the company is using the sport to generate business without legitimate grounds.
“Tigeraire’s logo and name pays tribute to our close collaboration with Louisiana State University - our first partners in this technology. We believe in player and personnel safety and created a technology to protect the health of athletes and blue-collar workers laboring outdoors in the heat.
“This brand and logo are personal, and we have a right to protect it. To have a foreign, private equity firm sue us for enforcing this right and then claim we are just after a payday is insulting to every single person at our small company working to deliver quality products that improve the lives of our customers.” - Jack Karavich, CEO, Tigeraire.
"This case, unfortunately, presents the time-worn circumstance of an opportunistic, misguided business attempting to extract an unwarranted financial windfall from a larger and more successful brand, based on threats of legal action and demands for exorbitant sums.” - Sun Day Red lawsuit.
Meanwhile, At Pebble Beach
A more optimistic note for Woods and Sun Day Red came with the news of the first “pop-up” Sun Day Red store opening at Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach was the host venue in 2000 as Woods captured his first U.S. Open victory by 15 shots, which was the first major victory that formed his “Tiger Slam” as he went on to win The Open, The PGA Championship in the same year, then winning the 2001 Masters.
The 82-time PGA Tour winner’s design company was also involved in the remodelling of The Hay Short Course in 2021 and Woods has two tournaments staged at the iconic links course, the Tiger Woods Invitational and TGR JNR Invitational.
“Pebble Beach is very special to me for many reasons. Staying and playing at Pebble is the ultimate premium golf experience, making it the perfect place for our first Sun Day Red Pop-Up Shop. I’m excited to see fans discover and interact with our gear in this setting.” - Tiger Woods.
Troon Golf Unveils New Website And Membership Features
The world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company, Troon, has announced details of its revamped website, troon.com, and its new loyalty program, Troon Access.
The updates mark a significant step in the company's digital evolution as Troon unveils its specialized digital division, Troon Digital, to enhance operations and golfer interactions across its managed facilities.
The Troon Access program comes in two tiers, Troon Access, and Troon Access+, each designed to provide golfers with tailored benefits at 150+ Troon-affiliated courses throughout the U.S. Here’s what golfers can expect from these new membership options:
Troon Access Benefits:
One membership card is valid at all participating Troon courses
Up to 15% off best available rates, bookable up to 60 days in advance
Cost: $199 (plus tax)
Troon Access+ Benefits:
Preferred access at 150+ Troon courses, including top spots like Kapalua and Troon North
Up to 15% off when booking 60 days in advance; up to 50% off for bookings made within 78 hours
Additional perks: Member-only events, 10% off Golf Shop merchandise, 35% off Avis rentals, and exclusive partner discounts
Cost: $349 (plus tax)
Troon has revamped its online platform alongside these loyalty programs with the newly launched Troon.com. Designed by Troon Digital, the site offers an improved, user-friendly experience, allowing members to seamlessly find, book, and manage their tee times at affiliated courses. In collaboration with NBC Sports Next, the site's enhanced booking engine provides a unified login, giving members a streamlined way to use their Troon Access benefits and manage their Troon Rewards points.
“We’re thrilled to launch Troon Access and an updated Troon.com. These digital enhancements boost operational efficiency and provide golfers with greater convenience and value in booking tee times and tracking rewards.” - Jeff Ma, Chief Digital Officer, Troon.
“The launch of Troon Access and our new digital rollouts provide our members with more value, flexibility, and an enhanced platform to engage with their favorite Troon-affiliated courses.” - Tim Schantz, President and CEO of Troon.
PGA Tour University’s Top-Ranked Player To Play In Rolex Series Event In Dubai
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has once again announced that it will grant an exemption to the No. 1 player in PGA Tour University at the conclusion of the fall college season, offering one collegiate standout the chance to compete in the Rolex Series event at Emirates Golf Club.
The exemption, now in its fourth year, has served as a springboard for emerging golf talent, highlighting the role the Hero Dubai Desert Classic plays in nurturing future stars.
Reflecting on the success of previous years, the top PGA Tour University players have all made the cut at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, with each going on to forge promising careers in professional golf. For young talents eager to break into the professional realm, this exemption represents not just a chance to play with the world’s best but also a launchpad to kickstart their careers as they aim for the PGA Tour.
Previous participants have included Ludvig Åberg and Michael Thorbjornsen, who have proven their mettle on the global stage. Åberg, who went on to win the Omega European Masters and The RSM Classic, has even secured a Ryder Cup captain’s pick in his first year as a professional. Thorbjornsen, meanwhile, earned two top 10s in his first 10 PGA Tour starts.
As of now, Auburn’s Brendan Valdes leads the PGA Tour University Ranking, narrowly ahead of David Ford from North Carolina. The competition remains tight, with Arizona State’s Josele Ballester and Preston Summerhays not far behind. The official ranking as of November 27 will determine who will receive the coveted exemption into the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, scheduled for January 16-19, 2025.
PGA Tour University, in partnership with the World Amateur Golf Ranking® (WAGR®), evaluates players based on their performances over the last two years of their collegiate careers, with qualifying events including NCAA Division I men’s tournaments, official PGA Tour competitions, and select DP World Tour events. This structure has effectively paved the way for the No. 1 ranked player to earn PGA Tour membership, while those ranked Nos. 2-5 and 6-10 secure spots on the Korn Ferry Tour, and those ranked through No. 25 earn conditional status on PGA Tour Americas.
“This event has a rich history of showcasing future stars, and we’re proud to be a part of the journey for these talented young golfers.” - Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Dubai Desert Classic.
“The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has played an integral role in the careers of Sam Bennett, Ludvig Åberg, and Michael Thorbjornsen, and we couldn’t be more thankful for the tournament’s support. Competing in such an event is unparalleled preparation for a professional career.”- Brendan von Doehren, Executive Director of PGA TOUR University.
St Andrews Links Trust Submits Plans To Upgrade Links Clubhouse
St Andrews Links Trust, the guardian of the historic St Andrews golf courses, has submitted plans for an extensive upgrade of the Links Clubhouse.
The Links Clubhouse serves as the main hub for golfers on the Old, New, and Jubilee courses, and the reinvestment program aims to elevate the world-class experience for golfers and visitors.
The project, pending approval by Fife Council, reflects the Trust’s commitment to improving both the aesthetic and practical aspects of the clubhouse to meet rising demand from golfers and visitors alike.
A Booming Demand for Golf
Since the pandemic, interest in golf has surged, with St Andrews Links recording revenue exceeding £40 million and more than 283,000 rounds played in 2023 alone. This growth has enabled the Links Trust, which reinvests all revenue back into maintaining and enhancing the courses, to plan strategic upgrades that will benefit both golfers and non-golfers.
The planned renovations will extend the Links Clubhouse to include:
A New Café and Bag Drop: Expanding amenities for players with a designated space for equipment storage and a café to accommodate the increased number of visitors.
Enhanced Retail Space: Providing a broader range of merchandise and golf essentials, while improving the shopping experience.
Upgraded Locker Rooms: Renovated changing facilities for golfers to provide a more comfortable and modern experience.
In addition, the clubhouse will feature new windows offering uninterrupted views of the Links courses, a key part of the clubhouse's appeal. The popular bar and grill area will also benefit from an upgraded roof terrace, offering enhanced seating and a scenic overlook of the course, with views extending back towards the picturesque town of St Andrews.
Commitment to Sustainability
St Andrews Links Trust is implementing sustainable practices as part of the renovation. The project includes energy-efficient upgrades to replace outdated double glazing with modern triple glazing. An independent energy hub with air-source heat pumps will be installed near the current recycling area on West Sands Road, reducing the environmental footprint of the clubhouse operations.
Accessibility Improvements
In addition to sustainability efforts, the plan prioritizes accessibility, with:
A New Customer Lift: Providing easy access to different floors of the clubhouse.
Accessible Facilities: Adding showers, changing rooms, and toilet facilities for all visitors.
The staff facilities are also set for an upgrade, ensuring that the dedicated team managing the site can work in a more comfortable and modern environment.
A Vision for Future Reinvestment
The clubhouse project is just one aspect of the broader reinvestment strategy. Plans for future projects include a mix of on-course and off-course improvements, such as upgrades to the irrigation system and initiatives for coastal management. These projects align with the Trust’s long-term mission of preserving and enhancing the Home of Golf for generations to come.
“The appetite and demand to play at St Andrews Links since the pandemic has been unprecedented, which has allowed us to not only fully recover financially but to begin the process of strategic reinvestment back into the site.”- Neil Coulson, Chief Executive of St Andrews Links Trust.
McCarty Claims First PGA Tour Title From His Third Start
As the PGA Tour’s Black Desert Championship unfolded at the Black Desert Resort, Matt McCarty’s meteoric rise from Korn Ferry Tour to Masters-bound PGA Tour winner seemed almost surreal.
The 26-year-old left-hander from Arizona claimed his first PGA Tour title with a calm, composed performance that belied the stakes, ultimately winning by three shots at 23-under 261.
Starting the year on the Korn Ferry Tour, McCarty’s hard work paid off with three wins, which earned him an instant promotion to the PGA Tour in August. Now, just two events into his PGA career, McCarty has made his mark, clinching a spot in three of next year’s majors—the Masters, PGA Championship, and U.S. Open—thanks to this victory and his position atop the Korn Ferry Tour Points List.
McCarty stayed ahead of the pack with a two-stroke lead going into the final round. Though Stephan Jaeger briefly threatened with a pair of late birdies, McCarty responded on the par-4 14th with a sensational 3-wood shot, landing the ball three feet from the hole to set up an eagle.
McCarty went on to record birdies at 16 and 18 to secure a three-shot winning margin.
Jaeger’s bid for the title came up just short, finishing with a birdie on the 18th to secure second place at 20-under.
Elsewhere on the leaderboard, Lucas Glover posted a stunning 62 to tie for third with Kevin Streelman, who is fighting to secure his place in the top 125 to maintain his PGA Tour card for 2025. Streelman’s clutch performance, including a birdie on the 18th, nudged him closer to that coveted position, moving him from No. 177 to No. 138.
With this historic win, McCarty joins an elite group—becoming the first player since Jason Gore to secure three Korn Ferry Tour victories, earn an instant promotion, and then capture a PGA Tour title within the same season.
“I don't know how you can expect this. It's just a lot of fun. I've been working really hard. This year was great for me. To get out here a little early, to get some experience was great and obviously this now.” - Matt McCarty, winner of the 2024 Black Desert Championship.
Bradbury Claims FedEx Open de France
England’s Dan Bradbury captured his second DP World Tour title at the FedEx Open de France at Le Golf National. With a bogey-free 66, Bradbury finished at 16 under, securing his spot in the season-ending Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
The day started with Jesper Svensson holding a one-shot lead over Thorbjørn Olesen and Sam Bairstow, but it didn’t take long for the leaderboard to get crowded. Olesen birdied the first while Bradbury, playing ahead, answered with a birdie of his own to close in on the leaders. Svensson briefly dropped back with a three-putt but rebounded with a birdie on the challenging second hole. Olesen bounced back after a missed par putt, setting up a series of nail-biting moments.
The competition heated up as players like Brandon Stone, who started two hours earlier, moved up with an impressive round of 64. By the 14th hole, Stone had carded nine birdies and was in a share of the lead. Meanwhile, Bairstow holed a remarkable 46-footer at the 11th, becoming the first player to reach 14 under and giving him a temporary edge.
On the back nine, Bradbury made a bold move. As he stepped up to the 15th tee, he narrowly avoided the water, and though his putt wasn’t perfect, it found the cup.
Bradbury’s streak of three consecutive birdies moved him to 16 under, and as he two-putted for par on the final green, his job was finished. All he could do was sit and watch what the final group would do. Olesen and Bairstow were the last two out on the course, but each player missed their birdie putts, sealing the win for Bradbury.
Behind him, Jeff Winther and Yannik Paul shared second place, each making strong closing runs but falling short by a single stroke. Matthew Jordan, Francesco Laporta, and Johannes Veerman tied for sixth at 14 under, each delivering a commendable performance in an event where the outcome felt uncertain until the end.
With this win, Bradbury secures a prominent spot on the DP World Tour and adds a second victory to his record, a step up from last season’s Joburg Open.
“It hasn’t sunk in at all. The goal this week was to make the cut, so I didn’t have to go to Korea (needing to) keep my card.
I remember looking at one point, playing with Gunner (Wiebe) and Joe (Dean), they were both two shots behind me, and I was second, and they were, like, 14th. Part of me was just thinking, ‘Well, don’t drop a few!’.
It was just, stay in it – we all know the finish round here, anything can happen, and it almost did.” - Dan Bradbury, 2024 winner, FedEx Open De France.