But the outcome couldn't have been better for the Hobart 15-year-old, who scored a hole-in-one during the first day of the Tamar Valley Junior Cup at Greens Beach yesterday.

``It didn't feel that good when I hit it,'' Gilbert said. ``It even went off to the right a bit.

``I just got a lucky bounce and when we got o the green, the ball was in the cup.''

Gilbert is one of 72 young golfers competing in the 72-hole event, which is being hosted by the Greens Beach Golf Club.

Queenslander Viraat Badhwar, who earlier this week won the Tasmanian junior masters championship at Launceston, was in front after the first 18 holes with a four-under round of 68.

Hayley Bettencourt was the best of the women's competitors after 18 holes with a one-over-par 73.

The competition continues today.