Gilbert was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and still makes his home there with his wife Judy. His father started him in golf at the age of 13 and he attended the University of Chattanooga. Gilbert turned pro in 1965 and joined the PGA Tour in 1967.
Gilbert had dozens of top 10 finishes on the PGA Tour and three victories. His first win came at the 1970 Houston Champions International, his second was at the 1976 Danny Thomas Memphis Classic and his third at the 1977 Walt Disney World National Team Championship.
Gilbert’s best finish at a major was a T-2 at the 1980 Masters, when he and Jack Newton finished four strokes behind the champion, Seve Ballesteros.
Gilbert has also been active on the Champions Tour, winning six times.
Gilbert has had a lifelong interest in helping young people develop their golf skills. Since 1973, he has made annual appearances for the Tennessee PGA’s Junior Golf Academy at Fall Creek Falls. Gilberts family has always been the drive behind his career. Although he spent most of the time on the road he maintained close contact with his family. Now that he is retired he is enjoying his grown children and now 6 grandchildren. In his free time, Gilbert enjoys hunting and fishing.