February 13, 2020 Contract / Golf / Litigation / PGA

PGA Tour Calls Big Miss, Requests Dismissal of Hank Haney Lawsuit

While much of the golf universe is preparing for Tiger Woods’ next outing at the Genesis Open, his former hitting coach has also returned to the headlines.

On February 10, 2020 the PGA Tour responded to a lawsuit filed by Hank Haney, a former radio host and coach for Tiger Woods. In May 2019, on the “Hank Haney Golf Radio” show on SiriusXM, Haney made comments regarding the U.S. Women’s Open that were considered openly sexist and racist. Following a formal apology, Sirius suspended Haney …

January 29, 2020 Advertising / Celebrities / Golf / Intellectual Property / Intellectual Property, Copyright, and Trademark / Litigation / PGA / Sponsorships / Trademark

Fore! Jack Nicklaus Sues Maker of Golf Training Technology for Trademark Infringement

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus has sued PowerPro Sports LLC, alleging that they are unlawfully using his likeness and trademarks without his permission to promote a product.

Nicklaus Companies LLC, Jack Nicklaus’ corporate vehicle, has sued PowerPro in Florida federal court. PowerPro makes the Powerchute golf training technology, which the company claims improves golf swing through the use of aerodynamic drag. Nicklaus argues that PowerPro violated his right of publicity under Florida law, as well as violated the federal Lanham Act by engaging in false endorsement, …

January 8, 2020 Contract / Golf / Litigation / PGA

Hank Haney Sues PGA Tour, Claims They Forced SiriusXM to Cancel His Radio Show

Hank Haney, former SiriusXM radio host and coach for Tiger Woods, filed a lawsuit against the PGA Tour, alleging that they put pressure on Sirius to cancel his radio show.

Back in May, on the “Hank Haney Golf Radio” show on SiriusXM, Haney made comments about the U.S. Women’s Open that caused backlash. These comments were taken to be sexist and racist, and Haney both apologized on air and released a formal apology. Sirius initially responded by suspending Haney before cancelling his show altogether.

Now, …

October 16, 2015 Antitrust / PGA

PGA Tour – Not Quite Out of the Rough Just Yet

On Friday, October 9, 2015, attorneys for a group of professional caddies filed a motion in opposition of dismissal against the PGA Tour, citing violations of antitrust law, the Sherman Act, and the Lanham Act. The class action lawsuit, originally filed in February, centers around the issues of forced advertisement without proper remuneration and unfair trade practices, as the caddies argue the Tour obligated the plaintiffs wear bibs adorned with corporate sponsors not chosen by them at televised tournaments.

In opposition to the now second …

March 11, 2014 Golf

High Crimes on the Golf Course?

On February 8, golfers at the Tarpon Springs Golf Course were issued a stern warning by club general manager Chuck Winship upon entering the clubhouse: betting on league play was no longer allowed. Apparently, Winship was under investigation by the Tarpon Springs Police Department for permitting casual gambling by club members. Commenting on the investigation, Winship noted, “Originally . . . I thought it was a joke.” It wasn’t, however – Winship later learned that the investigation had been passed on to the Pinellas-Pasco State …

October 22, 2013 Defamation / Golf / Intellectual Property, Copyright, and Trademark / Libel / Privacy Rights / Rights

Tiger’s 2013 Grade: “C” for Cheater?

Chances are that Tiger Woods has never gotten an “F” on any test or examination in his life. After all, he’s won 79 PGA Tour events, is a 14-time major champion and, prior to turning professional, spent two years as an undergraduate at Stanford University, one of our nation’s most prestigious institutions. This is at least part of the reason that Brandel Chamblee’s 2013 season-in-review “report card”, published last week on Golf.com, in which he gave Woods a grade of “F” for the season, …

July 1, 2013 Advertising

TaylorMade Pulls Rocketballz Advertising Claim

On June 12, 2013, The National Advertising Division (NAD) heard Callaway Golf Company’s challenge regarding a claim that “the average golfer picked up about 17 yards” with TaylorMade Golf Company’s “Rocketballz” 3-Wood. The NAD provides alternative dispute resolution for companies that challenge factual claims made in national advertisements.

The NAD examined whether TaylorMade implied that Rocketballz would actually increase the average golfers distance by 17 yards despite their experience or skill. TaylorMade said the claim was a “single misworded reference” to its Rocketballz fairway woods. …