MIAMI (AP) — Golf icon Jack Nicklaus secured a $50 million victory in a defamation case in Florida against his previous business associates.

A jury consisting of six members in Palm Beach County concluded on Monday that Nicklaus Companies tarnished the 18-time major winner’s reputation, subjecting him to public ridicule, distrust, and disdain. While Howard Milstein, the owner and executive chairman of Nicklaus Companies, along with executive Andrew O’Brien, were individually named as defendants, the jury did not hold them personally accountable.

Eugene Stearns, representing Nicklaus, emphasized that his client has dedicated his life to aiding others, cultivating a legacy as both an outstanding athlete and a remarkable individual.

“He deserved more respect than he received, and we’re pleased the jury recognized the specific issues that were so troubling,” Stearns remarked.

The lawsuit detailed Nicklaus’s allegations that Milstein, O’Brien, and other company members propagated false claims, including that Nicklaus entertained a $750 million offer to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League and that he was battling dementia, rendering him incapable of handling his affairs.

Defense attorneys said at trial that Nicklaus Companies executives never tried to defame Nicklaus and argued the case was basically a business dispute. They said no harm was done to Nicklaus’ reputation, and there was no reason for a company that shared the golfer’s name to attack him.

Attorneys for Nicklaus Companies didn’t immediately respond to emails seeking comment Tuesday evening.

Earlier this year, a New York judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Nicklaus Companies against Nicklaus that attempted to prevent the golfer from using his name, image and likeness to promote his golf course design business.

Nicklaus joined Nicklaus Companies in 2007 as part of a $145 million deal, but Nicklaus eventually quit and planned to continue designing golf courses on his own. While Nicklaus is once again free to design golf courses under his own name, Nicklaus Companies retains the rights to sell clothing and equipment with “Jack Nicklaus” logos.