Pam Figolah enjoys bowling, not only for the sport but for the friendships and the fun. Paralleling Sun City History, the group has been around for about 25 years.
Figolah said, “A group of ladies from Sun City started a women’s bowling league at Huntley Bowl Hi. Originally, the ladies named the league The Sun City Ladies Bowling League. This ladies’ group aimed to meet neighbors who also enjoyed bowling. The league was very social, with some friendly competition. A few years later, the league expanded and changed its name to Thursday Ladies Bowling League.”
The league continues to bowl on Thursday mornings at Bowl Hi in Huntley. There are now twelve teams and forty-eight bowlers. Most of the women are from Sun City. Others are from Huntley and nearby communities like Lake in the Hills, Algonquin, Woodstock, Dundee, and Elgin.
The bowling year brings fun during the cooler months.
Figolah said, “Our “season starts mid-September and ends the last Thursday in April.”
The Thursday Lady’s Bowling League is also a handicap league. Figolah said, “We welcome bowlers of all skill levels. Some of our bowlers started bowling as young children, while others are new to bowling. Our handicap is based on 100% of 200. That means every bowler’s average plus their handicap will total 200. Everyone is on an equal playing field. Our bowler’s averages range between 100 and 160, with most averages around 120.”
The group does some fun things throughout the season and some fun, friendly competition.
“We have holiday sweepers where prizes are given to the top ten bowlers who bowl the most pins over average, and a prize is given to the most improved bowler, handicap game, and handicap series. We also have the dreaded weekly kitty. It will cost you a quarter if you don’t do your average in the second game. To end the season, there is a roll-off for first and second place and a 9-pin-no-tap game. A 9-pin-no-tap is when a bowler knocks down nine pins with their first ball, which will be a strike. If the first ball knocks down eight or fewer pins, the bowler throws a second ball for a spare.”
Sun City resident Pat Cox said, “It is such a fun experience bowling with all the ladies on the Thursday Ladies League. They are very friendly and encourage all teams to bowl well. We all get excited when we manage to get strikes and spares.”
Bowling is the great equalizer when it comes to fun. The bowling industry is currently enjoying a period of unprecedented popularity. Using new technology and broadening its customer focus, bowling is one of the top participatory sports. Over 67 million people bowled at least once last year, and almost 2 million actively participated in league play.
Kathy Janonis said, “I have been bowling for seven years. I enjoy the league. It’s not competitive and a sociable time.”
Sun City Resident Judy Keegan agrees.
“This is a great group of ladies; we have a lot of fun,” she said.
Overall, the consensus is clear.
Figolah said, “People who enjoy bowling are the same people who enjoy a wide variety of activities such as golf, tennis, pickleball, bocce ball, and swimming. Bowling provides an option for those wanting to continue some winter activities and social gatherings. We have no age restrictions, but most bowlers in our league are 60 to 85. The league has an enjoyable group of ladies to bowl with. They are excited to bowl, no matter their average. We cheer each other on and high-five the other team, even when they win. As we gear up for the next season, there are some open spots on a team.”
If you’re interested in joining the Thursday Ladies Bowling League contact Pam Figolah at 224-339-1943 to learn more and secure your spot.
