Back Nine is Oxford’s Newest Sports Bar for Food & Fun
Oxford, Mississippi certainly has its share of sports bars, and they each have their individual charms. But there are sports bars, and then there’s a SPORTS bar that lets you be the star athlete while you enjoy top-notch food and beverages. Back Nine is just that kind of place. Equipped with Full Swing multi-sport simulators, one of Oxford’s newest additions to The Square is sure to please anyone with a competitive drive—or even just a playful spirit.
Coty Childs, from Ripley, Mississippi, has a long background in computers and tech, and with that expertise, he joined forces with lifelong friend and fellow Ripleyan Colin Turner, plus college mate Charles Turner (from Atlanta, no relation to Colin), to bring Back Nine to the Oxford scene.
“Full Swing (indoor golf simulators) [claims] to track pretty much anything with a ball,” Coty said. “The actual software games support baseball, basketball, football, soccer, golf, bocci ball, and there’s [even] a zombie dodgeball game.” The golf simulator boasts “state-of-the-art ball tracking, advanced golf course software, superior hardware performance, swing analysis software and multisport gaming,” and can also be used as a training tool. Pros like Tiger Woods and John Rahm use them in their homes for that purpose. “It’s a game, and for just playing around on,” Coty said, “but if … we wanted to start offering lessons, that is something that’s in the cards in the future.”
Besides all the fun you can have playing with the simulators, Back Nine has a fantastic menu executed by their chef Chris Madkins, who is a Square veteran, having also worked at Bouré. On our first visit, we tried the Spicy Chicken Sandwich, which I highly recommend for its perfect crunch and fresh toppings, and a bacon cheeseburger that also hit the spot. Next time I visit I plan to try one of the tasty looking flatbreads, but I’m most looking forward to giving their Lobster Roll a go. If you’ve been following along on social media, you already know how good the food looks. Trust me, the taste definitely measures up to the hype.
In addition to delicious food, Coty and his staff have been curating a sophisticated bar environment. With some higher end bourbons and a growing selection of premium tequilas, Back Nine is a great spot to enjoy a few drinks with friends. Coming soon are bourbon flights and more specialty cocktails. In fact, Back Nine’s entry to the recent Iron Bartender competition received rave reviews from both the judges and the attendees. It doesn’t hurt that the bar stools are padded and comfy, just like the dining chairs. These little touches go a long way towards giving Back Nine its uptown country club vibe.
Join the fun on Tuesdays for Mario Kart Night, a $10 entry fee gets you into the game. Or try the 2-Man Scramble on Wednesdays for only $50 for a two-person team. Winners receive house cash prizes and merch.
For pricing information and to book simulator time in advance, visit BackNineOxford.com. Back Nine is located at 308 South Lamar Blvd. (formerly Rockhouse Live and Soulshine Pizza).
by Nature Humphries • photographs by Gaetano Catelli
