Report: LIV Golf chief Greg Norman caught up in Jack Nicklaus legal drama

LIV Golf boss Greg Norman has been swept up in the lawsuit involving Jack Nicklaus and the Nicklaus Companies, according to a report.

Ben Smith

01 Apr 2023

Report: LIV Golf chief Greg Norman caught up in Jack Nicklaus legal drama

Greg Norman has been caught up in the lawsuit between Jack Nicklaus and his own company.

According to a report by the Miami Herald, Norman has been subpoenaed for documents relating to a Washington Post article.

That article was published last June in which Norman described the legendary golfer as being 'a hypocrite'.

Norman contended The Golden Bear had given his blessing for the LIV Golf League.

The piece - titled 'The Shark is on the attack again' - also contained Norman's attack on Rory McIlroy, calling the Northern Irishman 'brainwashed'.

The Great White Shark claimed Nicklaus said:

"Quote-unquote," he said 'This is good for our game. If it's good for the game of golf, it's good by me.' So, you want the facts? You've got the facts. Know what you said before you open your mouth."

Attorneys for the Nicklaus Companies (which is the Plaintiff in the lawsuit with Nicklaus) would like all documentation in regard to that article.

The request is strictly for documentation, the report states and Norman is not wanted for a deposition.

The subpoena for the documents was issued on 20 March. Norman reportedly has 20 days to respond to the court.

How did this all begin?

Nicklaus was sued by the Nicklaus Companies on 13 May 2022. The Golden Bear was accused of breaching his contract.

Part of the complaint against the 83-year-old revealed that he met with Golf Saudi officials over the role Norman now occupies with LIV Golf.

Nicklaus confirmed this meeting at his press conference at last year's Memorial at Muirfield Village but refused to speak further on the topic.

It has been suggested that Nicklaus turned down an offer north of $100m to be the commissioner of what is now the LIV Golf League.

The 18-time major champion has now been deposed in relation to the complaint by the Nicklaus Companies.

In his deposition, Nicklaus accused his former business partner of acting as if he 'owned him'.

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This is a key extract in his deposition where he discusses New York banker Howard Milstein:

Q. What led you to decide to end your employment?

Jack Nicklaus:

"I had just had enough. I had enjoyed a successful career both in professional golf and the design of golf courses, and I had earned the respect of many throughout the world. I had turned my success in sport into success in business, and then I ruined it by allowing Howard to invest in that business.

"I did not want to be under Howard’s control any longer. So, I decided it was time to end my employment with the company and begin the five years I needed to serve before I could design golf courses and endorse products on my own again."

Q. Did your relationship with Mr. Milstein change after he obtained permanent control over the company?

Jack Nicklaus:

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

"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."

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