Judy Wolthausen

Our hot days of summer are just around the corner. You remember, it’s 90 degrees when you awake and at least 90 when you go to bed for at least three months! We avoid being out in the sun for longer than a few minutes when the hottest days are here. Fortunately, our club meets in an air-conditioned room with parking just outside. These summer months are the best ones to get in some real practice and hone our skills while we socialize with a group of wonderful women. Many in our club will take off for their second homes in other states or vacation in cooler climates. Those of us who stay in town continue weekly through the summer months. Having a short event on a Tuesday morning starting at 9:15 a.m. for 15 minutes of warm-up and then playing partners for 90 minutes at 8-Ball, 9-Ball, or Cutthroat is a great way to start the day. The guys follow us at 11 a.m., so we’re never late.

We draw numbers to determine which table and who our partner is, so we typically play with different people each week. The Billiards Room is in the Oakwood Country Club building at the far-left side of the building.

Any woman living in Cottonwood, Sun Lakes Country Club, Palo Verde, Oakwood, or Ironwood is eligible to join if you can commit to staying until 11 a.m. We all take off occasionally to go to another appointment, but leaving early to get to another activity every week, like golf or pickleball, is not acceptable, as it would be unfair to your partner.

We are not looking for experts but, rather, for women who have played in the past and enjoyed it. We’ve found that it is a skill that isn’t forgotten, like riding a bike. You’re a little rusty and these summer months are a more relaxed time to get out the kinks and let your mind and body remember. We do offer a practice session or two if that would make you feel more comfortable, but we suggest you just come to play on a Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. and join us. We have all levels of ability in the club today, and we like it that way.

We have a great group of women in the club. They are down to earth and can be very helpful in finding a handyman, window washer, house painter, landscaper … well, you get the idea. We try to help each other when we can. On the first Tuesday of each month, we ask for restaurant ideas from the members and have lunch together at the restaurant receiving the most interest from the club members. Here we get to know each other better and enjoy our beautiful surroundings and restaurants we’ve been wanting to try.

So, if you’re not booked on Tuesday mornings, come check us out. We have lots of cue sticks for your use and would love to see you. If you have questions or would like to schedule a practice session, give me, Judy Wolthausen, a call at 630-728-5937.