Nicklaus-Tied Family Office Buys Bankrupt Golf Company Assets

20 Majors LLC, linked to golf legend Jack Nicklaus and his son, acquired Nicklaus Cos. for $35.7 million.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A family office tied to golf legend Jack Nicklaus and his son, 20 Majors LLC, has won bankruptcy court approval to purchase the brand and assets of golf services business Nicklaus Cos. for $35.7 million. The acquisition comes after years of litigation surrounding the bankruptcy of Nicklaus Cos.

Why it matters

The Nicklaus brand is one of the most recognizable names in golf, and this acquisition allows the family office to maintain control over the company's assets and continue the Nicklaus legacy in the golf industry. The bankruptcy proceedings highlight the challenges facing golf-related businesses in recent years.

The details

20 Majors LLC, whose manager is Rory Brown, a managing partner of the family office Nicklaus Brown & Co., won the bid for Nicklaus Cos.' assets. Nicklaus Brown & Co.'s other managing partner is Jack Nicklaus' son, Gary Nicklaus. The $35.7 million acquisition was approved by Judge Craig T. Goldblatt of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

  • The bankruptcy court hearing approving the sale took place on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

20 Majors LLC

A family office tied to golf legend Jack Nicklaus and his son, which acquired the assets of Nicklaus Cos. through a bankruptcy proceeding.

Rory Brown

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

Gary Nicklaus

The son of golf legend Jack Nicklaus and a managing partner of the family office Nicklaus Brown & Co.

Judge Craig T. Goldblatt

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware judge who approved the sale of Nicklaus Cos.' assets to 20 Majors LLC.

Nicklaus Cos.

The golf services business that filed for bankruptcy and had its assets acquired by 20 Majors LLC.

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What’s next

The acquisition allows 20 Majors LLC and the Nicklaus family to maintain control over the Nicklaus brand and continue the company's operations in the golf industry.

The takeaway

This bankruptcy acquisition highlights the ongoing challenges facing golf-related businesses, but also demonstrates the Nicklaus family's commitment to preserving their iconic brand and legacy in the sport.