NGLA

Nation Golf Links of America

The historic windmill at National Golf Links of America stands between the 2nd and 16th holes and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in American golf. Incorporated into the original course design by Charles Blair Macdonald, the windmill serves as a visual anchor across the landscape, reinforcing the club’s early 20th-century links aesthetic and its connection to the traditions of classic British golf. Over time, the structure has become both a functional and symbolic element of the course, valued as much for its presence and character as for its role within the setting.

My part in the recent restoration work focused on stabilizing and repairing the windmill’s timber frame while preserving its historic character and proportions. Structural repairs were carried out using traditional framing techniques and materials compatible with the original construction, with careful attention paid to minimizing intervention and retaining as much historic fabric as possible. The work was approached with conservation standards in mind, ensuring the long-term durability of the structure while maintaining its integrity as a defining feature of the course.