Nilsson first represented Sweden at the European Lady Junior's Team Championship in 1975 and continued to do so five years in a row.

[4] Her achievements in 1976, earned her a place, as one of the three best female amateurs in the country, in the Swedish team at the Espirito Santo Trophy.

[5][6] In 1977, Nilsson beat her Swedish compatriot Charlotte Montgomery in a play-off for the title at en international amateur tournament in Torreon, Mexico.

[5][6] She played her collegiate golf at Arizona State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1981 having made All-Conference Second Team in 1980–1981.

[7] Together with Charlotte Montgomery, Nilsson was the first female Swede to play collegiate golf at a University in the United States.

[5][6] After being ill at the previous attempt in Houston, Texas, six months earlier, Nilsson qualified for the U.S.-based LPGA Tour at her third attempt, when she succeeded through the LPGA Tour Qualifying School at Bent Tree, Sarasota, Florida, in December 1982, finishing 3rd among 153 players competing for 15 available spots.