Employee Spotlight: Andrew Bawden
Published on March 25, 2026
For Andrew Bawden, maintaining the Wilmington Municipal Golf Course is about more than keeping the greens looking good—it’s about patience, persistence and pride in creating something that benefits the entire community.
As a turf grass worker with the City’s Parks & Recreation Department, Andrew plays a key role in the day-to-day care of one of the region’s most recognized municipal golf courses.
Patience Behind the Process
Andrew’s work requires a long-term mindset. Unlike many jobs where results are immediate, turf management is a gradual process. “A lot of the things we do out here aren’t instant gratification,” he said. “It takes time to see results, but everything we do is making a difference.” A typical day starts with checking equipment to ensure it’s ready for use before heading out across the course. From mowing greens, fairways and rough to changing cups, moving tee markers and handling general upkeep, Andrew’s work helps keep the course in top condition for players.
While golf course maintenance may appear straightforward, Andrew said the job is more physically demanding than many realize. “We work on the equipment, so people might think it does all the work,” he said. “But there’s a lot of manual labor behind the scenes.” In addition to the physical demands, the job requires working in all types of weather conditions throughout the year.
Delivering a Course the Community Can Enjoy
Through the team’s efforts, residents and visitors alike can enjoy a high-quality golfing experience. The Wilmington Municipal Golf Course is widely recognized as one of the best municipal courses in the state, a reputation Andrew credits to the entire team. “It’s a direct reflection on the workers we have here,” he said, also recognizing the leadership of his supervisors and coworkers who help guide daily operations and respond to feedback from golfers.
A Project Making a Lasting Impact
One recent project stands out as a point of pride. Over several months, Andrew and his team repurposed historic cobblestone previously used on downtown Wilmington streets to improve areas across the course. The team collected more than 100 pallets of cobblestone from the City’s Operations Center and installed them in approximately 20 locations, replacing worn or weak turf areas with durable pathways. Started in November and completed in March, the project has already received positive feedback from golfers. “It’s rewarding to know it’s made a difference,” Andrew said.
As the Wilmington Municipal Golf Course celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, the milestone holds special meaning for Andrew. Having played on the course for more than 20 years, he has seen its transformation firsthand. “I’ve seen it go from a lot of sand to a lot more grass,” he said. “Even in the three years I’ve been here, it’s made huge improvements. It’s awesome to see it every day, and I’m excited to be part of the celebration.”
Outside of work, Andrew is a lifelong fan of North Carolina Tar Heels. Having grown up in Chapel Hill, he said his loyalty to the team was inevitable. “It’s been a huge part of my life,” he said.
Advice for Future City Employees
Andrew encourages anyone interested in working for the City to bring a strong work ethic and a positive attitude. “If you come in with a great attitude and you work hard, there’s no limit to where you can go,” he said. “There’s always an opportunity to grow.” At the same time, he noted that the City offers space for employees at every stage of their careers, whether they’re looking to advance or thrive in their current role.
Andrew also emphasized that the success of the golf course is a team effort, crediting his coworkers, David Donovan, Matt Smith, Greg Barnes, James Woodell, Arnold Mintz, Steve Beier, Rob Strother, and Brandon Stickland, for their hard work and dedication. Together, their efforts ensure the Wilmington Municipal Golf Course continues to be a place the community can enjoy for generations to come.