In the rough: Golf legend Jack Nicklaus accused of ousting homeowners board in power move

Famed golfer Jack Nicklaus is facing allegations that he improperly fired board members of the homeowners association and excessively hiked up fees at his Bear’s Club golf resort in Jupiter.

Nicklaus, who won more majors than any other golfer in history, is being sued by some of the residents at the Bear’s Club, which he developed, according to the Palm Beach Post.

The suit filed in Palm Beach County Circuit Court alleges that in recent years the cost of maintaining the golf course has been transferred from the golf resort to the homeowners. The suit also alleges that Nicklaus ousted the homeowners board due to disagreements and replaced it with his own board, which included his son and the club’s general manager, according to the Palm Beach Post.

In a letter Jack Nicklaus sent to residents on Nov. 6, Nicklaus said the golf club is not owned by the residents or the property association, but rather by its 35 founding partners.

The Bear’s Club community was founded in 1999. It has an 18-hole golf course and a 40,000-square foot clubhouse. In addition, the community has about 80 homes, villas and cottages. A number of celebrities have bought homes at the development, including Michael Jordan and golfer Michelle Wie. [PalmBeachPost] — Keith Larsen