Third Time With Charm: Florida Pro Tour Kicks Off at Capone’s

Third Time With Charm: Florida Pro Tour Kicks Off at Capone’sTough guys dance in Rocky’s Rumbaby Paul BergThe swank, speakeasy feel of Capone’s is a smooth start to the third year of the Florida Pro Tour. This year, tour director John Ditoro has added more difficulty to the sterling tests offered by the Seminole Tribe’s gift to a talent-laden state. Ten-ball is the game this year, and players from the stocked region, from John Schmidt to Charlie Williams are after the $8,000 added to the purse. They have each won here, and both have returned to Rocky McElroy’s room north of Tampa.
The season opener started today in Spring Hill, and first round draws include “Rocket” Rodney Morris, the recently relocated Capone’s house pro and proud new father, tackling Orlando’s Adam Wheeler, a force on the Fury Amateur Tour. Morris looked impressive in the mini-tournaments held up until closing time. The grace of owner and host McElroy cannot be overstated, as he boasts a second top-flight player sponsored from his gangster-themed pool hall. Robb Saez has come into his own since his move to Springhill and will play Pablo Matheu to begin defense of his home turf.If mini-tournaments or past performance are an indicator, understated David Broxson will be one to watch. The solid Georgian looks to be following up his high finish in Atlanta last weekend in the J. Pechauer Southeast Open Tour season finale, and Broxson has come close on this tour as well. He tripped up Morris and Saez in a late mini win, then watched as his running partner, Josh Hillard, fell to Wayne Catledge in the sixth and final event of a late Friday night.Visit InsidePOOL for the latest news on the Florida Pro Tour.

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