Opinion ID: 2780530
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Charter Membership

Text: The Donners have adequately pleaded that Mr. Nicklaus held himself out as a charter member. In the brochure attached to the amended complaint, Mr. Nicklaus states that he is a “charter member” immediately between (1) inviting the Donners to “become a charter member” and (2) explaining how the Donners can acquire a “charter membership.” Aplt. App. at 105-07. 5 5 Mr. Nicklaus also says in the press release that he is a charter member. Aplt. App. at 88. 17 In this context, the Donners have plausibly alleged that Mr. Nicklaus held himself out as a charter member. The defendants argue that Mr. Nicklaus’s statement constitutes an opinion, which cannot serve as the basis for a claim of intentional misrepresentation. This argument is based on the first half of the statement (that Mr. Nicklaus was impressed with the Mount Holly Club and its 18 management team). The defendants contend that Mr. Nicklaus’s “impression” involves an opinion rather than a fact. The defendants are correct about Mr. Nicklaus’s impressions. See Berkeley Bank for Coops. v. Meibos, 607 P.2d 798, 805 (Utah 1980). But Mr. Nicklaus stated more than his impressions; he stated that he was so impressed that he became a “charter member.” And Mr. Nicklaus’s declaration of a “charter membership” is a representation of present fact that goes beyond his opinion.