SALT LAKE CITY (Azat TV) – Two early members of an exclusive private ski and golf community in Morgan County, Utah, have filed a $30 million lawsuit against Wasatch Peaks Ranch, alleging they were wrongfully expelled after raising concerns about unequal treatment during a women’s golf tournament on July 24, 2026. Jane and Mark Fields filed the action in Utah’s 2nd District Court this month, according to reporting by The Salt Lake Tribune, setting up a high-stakes legal battle over property rights, governance practices, and club discipline within an ultra-wealthy enclave.
The dispute centers on the second day of the Wasatch Peaks Ranch Bluebird Women’s Golf Tournament, where the plaintiffs allege a caddy rushed their foursome to finish early, telling players to forfeit shots if necessary. The lawsuit claims the hurried pace was imposed to clear the course for male play, noting that no such speed restrictions occurred during men’s exclusive tournaments. When Jane Fields raised discrimination concerns with a manager following the event, the conversation sparked a rapid chain of events that culminated in the revocation of the couple’s membership.
Expulsion Notice and Disciplinary Process
Four days after the July 24 tournament conversation, the Fields received notice that their membership had been revoked without an initial hearing before the club’s disciplinary committee. According to The Salt Lake Tribune, the ranch accused the couple of using abusive and profane language toward staff, engaging in aggressive conduct, and launching public criticism outside established complaint procedures. The lawsuit contends these accusations served as a pretext to conceal gender discrimination and silence members who challenged club operations.
Following the notice, the couple requested a formal hearing and asked for supporting documentation of the allegations, which they report they did not receive. At an August hearing, the ranch reaffirmed its decision. Larry Laycock, an attorney with Kirton McConkie representing the Fields, stated that the couple attempted to resolve the matter privately before turning to the courts but now intend to hold the ranch accountable and protect their home investment.
Resort Mystique and High Financial Stakes
Wasatch Peaks Ranch spans more than 12,000 acres along the Wasatch Front, offering private skiing, a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, and amenities tailored to affluent members. The development has historically maintained strict privacy controls, requiring multiple referrals and vetting before prospective buyers can view real estate. Public visibility into the club previously increased when county residents mounted a multi-year zoning lawsuit that concluded in 2024 with a conservation easement and a community foundation grant.
The lawsuit names Wasatch Peaks Ranch Club, CEO Tiger Shaw—the former president and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard—and members of the disciplinary committee as defendants. Beyond the $30 million in monetary damages, the expulsion jeopardizes the couple’s $500,000 membership deposit and contractual refund rights. Furthermore, an 18-month clock to transfer their membership has forced the Fields to pursue an expedited sale of the home they completed in 2024, potentially resulting in substantial market loss.
Legal Defenses and Next Steps
In a written statement cited by The Salt Lake Tribune, a ranch spokesperson disputed the lawsuit’s allegations, stating that management stands by its decision and remains committed to maintaining a respectful environment. The defense declined to discuss specific details, citing member and employee privacy. As of late October 2026, none of the named defendants had filed a formal response in court, leaving the procedural next steps to upcoming motions and scheduling orders in the 2nd District Court.