Schmidt's Nine Mile Billiards Parlor

The new Nine Mile Billiards parlor in Pensacola, Florida, looks to be a sure bet for a good time at Pool. That's because pro John Schmidt, $40,000 winner of the U.S. Open, the largest pool tournament in America, is partnering pool shooter and custom cue craftsman Mike Casey in the project.

The new hall has 7 Brunswick Gold Crown IV nine-foot pool tables on its floor beside 8 seven-foot "bar" tables. A videogame area accompanies the pool plus a sale floor filled with accessories featuring custom cues, pool gloves and chalk, tip implements and cue cases.

Schmidt's Open victory qualified him to join the prestigious US Mosconi Cup team. The Mosconi Cup pits six top American players against top pool shooters from Europe. "John is still a full-time player on the professional pool tour and will only be here when there are no tournaments scheduled," Casey said.

The hall is located at 43 West Nine Mile Road, Pensacola. Operating hours are 1:00 PM to 2 AM weekdays and Saturday and 1:00 PM to 1 AM Sundays. Call (USA) 850-473-1073 for more.