Nicklaus-Tied Family Office Wins Auction for Bankruptcy Assets

20 Majors LLC, managed by Rory Brown, bid $35.7 million for the brand and business assets of bankrupt golf services company Nicklaus Cos.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A family office tied to golf legend Jack Nicklaus' son has won an auction for the brand and business assets of bankrupt golf services business Nicklaus Cos. with a $35.7 million offer. 20 Majors LLC's bid for the assets beat a higher cash stalking horse offer made last month by brand management company Iconix International Inc.

Why it matters

The acquisition of Nicklaus Cos.' assets by a family office connected to the Nicklaus family ensures the continued operation and brand recognition of one of the most iconic names in golf. This deal preserves the legacy of the Nicklaus brand and allows the family to maintain control over the company's future direction.

The details

20 Majors LLC, a family office managed by Rory Brown, a managing partner of Nicklaus Brown & Co., submitted the winning $35.7 million bid for the assets of bankrupt golf services company Nicklaus Cos. This bid surpassed a previous stalking horse offer of a higher cash amount made by brand management firm Iconix International Inc.

  • The auction for Nicklaus Cos.' assets took place on March 5, 2026.
  • Iconix International Inc. had made a higher cash offer for the assets last month, prior to the auction.

The players

20 Majors LLC

A family office tied to golf legend Jack Nicklaus' son that submitted the winning $35.7 million bid for the assets of bankrupt golf services company Nicklaus Cos.

Rory Brown

The manager of 20 Majors LLC and a managing partner of Nicklaus Brown & Co.

Nicklaus Cos.

A bankrupt golf services business whose brand and assets were acquired by 20 Majors LLC for $35.7 million.

Iconix International Inc.

A brand management company that had made a higher cash stalking horse offer for the assets of Nicklaus Cos. prior to the auction.

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The takeaway

The acquisition of Nicklaus Cos. by a family office connected to the Nicklaus family ensures the continued operation and brand recognition of one of the most iconic names in golf, preserving the legacy of the Nicklaus brand and allowing the family to maintain control over the company's future direction.