from 1992-96, tilghman played professional golf in australia, europe and asia, and also served as a teaching and touring pro. she was brought up in the golf industry with parents who owned and operated a golf course for 22 years. tilghman earned a scholarship to play on duke university's women's golf team, where she won 1990's lady paladin invitational hosted by furman university and graduated with a bachelor of arts in political science and history.