After almost 13 years in the Army, PGA Trainee Professional Chris Crooks was living his dream when he scored a hole-in-one during a Monday practice round for the Isuzu Queensland Open.

On a near deserted Brisbane Golf Club, the 33-year old left-hander scored his ace on the par-3, 13^th hole which was playing about 180m.

“I hit a 5-iron… the hole-in-one probably came two or three days early but who cares,’’ joked Crooks.

“I’m happy just to be here with a chance to play the Open.’’

Crooks is a first-year PGA Trainee at Wantima Golf Club where his boss John Victorsen has allowed him to contest recent pro-am events.

“I’m a late starter after being told I wasn’t good enough as a young bloke,’’ said Crooks.

“I did my basic training for the Army with Damien Jordan who convinced me to have a go at a PGA Traineeship.’’

Jordan has been a consistent performer as a Professional since committing to play fulltime in 2009 after a career in the Army which included two tours of duty in Iraq.

“I’m pleased I took Damien’s advice rather than living to regret that I never gave it a go,’’ said Crooks.

The opening round of the 72-hole Isuzu Queensland Open starts on Thursday.