The new Addis West Golf Learning and Practice Center is set to open March 16 at Duncan Park.

The new indoor facility will be located in the banquet room area of the Duncan Park golf shop.

The indoor facility was the brainchild of former Natchez Recreation Council member Addis West, who suggested an indoor, netted driving range for Duncan Park.

West’s idea eventually became what is now the indoor learning and practice center after he successfully lobbied the Natchez Board of Aldermen public properties committee to allocate $10,000 for the room’s renovation, which was completed in January 2007.

Duncan Park master professional Marvin Gray said indoor learning and practice facilities, like the one at Duncan Park, are becoming popular at golf courses.

“There are several indoor learning centers around the South. It seems to be the way of the future,” he said. “Most of the work I do teaching is outside, so this will be something I will be working to add to my teachings.”

Gray said the room has completely been renovated, and has new lights, floor mats and hitting cages. The policies of the room were outlined in a March 2 press release from the Natchez Recreation Department.

The release said the indoor learning center may be used at no cost, but patrons are only allowed to use the room 15 minutes at a time, as to allow others time to use the facility. Patrons may also bring their own balls or can rent a bag of range balls from the pro shop. The release also said that the facility may be reserved by golf instructors to give lessons at the cost of $8 per hour.

The learning and practice center was named after West at the Jan. 25 Natchez Recreation Council meeting. Since then, a sign with West’s name has been placed over the double doors at the entrance of the center, and a plaque honoring West is mounted inside.