Judy Wolthausen
Did you just recently move to Sun Lakes? You may not realize that we have a group of women who play weekly in the Oakwood Country Club Billiards Room. It’s quite a nice place to play with four like-new professional Olhausen pool tables and all the necessities to be able to play comfortably. The lighting is perfect, music is piped in, and the air conditioning works! Some of us have been in the club for over 20 years, and others have just recently joined.
Most of us joined when we hadn’t played in many years. We offer practice sessions set up at an agreeable time if you feel the need to get the cobwebs out. Most of us just showed up on a Tuesday morning at 9:15 (except holidays). At 9:15 a.m. we start catching up with our friends, put our cues together, put balls on the table if they’re not already there, and start practicing. At 9:30 a.m. we draw numbers to determine the table and our partner. We play 8-Ball mostly and occasionally play 9-Ball or Cutthroat, depending on how much time we have. At 11 a.m. we have to be out to allow the men’s league to begin their practice. On the first Tuesday of each month, we get suggestions for restaurants to try and select the one with the most interest and have lunch together. There, we get to know each other better and solicit suggestions for various contractors, vendors, window washers, landscapers, painters, etc., while we sit on the restaurant patio overlooking the beautiful surroundings.
The good thing about summer play is that we play with less formality, because several of our members will be gone for summer. We start up more formal play in October when most are back. It is a good time to check us out, play with us for a while, and then decide if you want to join. Some of the team members practice in the afternoons or evenings, so if you wanted to, you could join them to ease any concerns you may have. We have all skill levels and experience in the group, and we value that. You will also find that all the women are just wonderful and provide an easy way to make new friends, especially if you are new here.
Just about everyone has a couple hours on a Tuesday morning—that is, unless you are already committed to play golf, pickleball, or some other activity on Tuesday mornings. We discarded our list of club rules, which originated over 20 years ago, and basically now have only two rules. You have to live in Palo Verde, Cottonwood, Sun Lakes Country Club, Oakwood, or Ironwood and you need to be able to stay until 11 a.m. With team play, it is just unfair to your partner to leave them early. Now, that doesn’t mean that we all don’t take off occasionally to get our cars fixed, go to doctors’ appointments, etc., but leaving early to go to another activity won’t be acceptable.
So, we have a few openings and would like to fill them. We’re not looking for professional players but, rather, someone who has played before and enjoyed it. Just like riding a bike again after a long time, your body and mind remember. So, come and work out the kinks with us. We do some of that ourselves! Our main objective is fun while improving our playing skills. We have written descriptions of 8-Ball, 9-Ball, and Cutthroat for your reference, and we love to help each other. There is nothing to lose and a lot to gain. We look forward to seeing you. If you have questions or want to set up a practice session or just tell me you are coming, please call or leave a message at 630-728-5937.