Welcome to the sport. Wow, what a question. There are folks here that have played a lifetime and all carry different stuff. My suggestion would be to find someone who plays well and has been around a while and start picking their brain on the nuances of the game. Read a lot of these old posts. Take some lessons from a registered professional. Try not to get too frustrated with your progress and have fun with it. It really is a journey of a lifetime.

I’ve been playing off and on for around 10 years now and have recently been getting more involved and plan on playing way more often. I had a lot of weak spots in my game and I stumbled upon Rick Shiels a little bit ago. This man has helped my game SO much already, and although my game is still pretty weak, it’s still getting better thanks to this man. For anyone who is getting into it or struggling with part of your game I recommend looking up this genius on YouTube!

Don't get frustrated....golf is a game to be enjoyed for a lifetime. Also find a professional you like and take some lessons. Take notes on these lessons and refer back to them when practicing. What Dale said rings true.

I love bot Dale and Jerry's suggestions. I would strongly second those. Find someone that gets it around well and play with them. Remember that you are just starting and this game is tough. You can both, take it seriously and manage your expectations. Do that and you will have fun. Do not even think about a score right now. Players like to help friends get into the game but that starts to dwindle when a round turns into six hours because someone wants to count every stroke and "play serious." If you hit a couple out then go up to where your buddy hit it and drop one from where he is. Get to a point where you're not loosing a ball or two a hole and maybe then start counting up the strokes.

Find a pro that you like and makes the game enjoyable. It can be stressful but what I have learned it should be fun.

Have fun, laugh at your mistakes, and wear sunscreen.

Welcome to the game of golf! It was about your age when I first started to really get into golf. Hopefully, you will get a fantastic journey. First thing I would say is have a mindset to have a lifetime of enjoyment. Next take lessons, maybe a set of three, and later as you get better, occasional lessons. Once your really hooked about 6-8 months in find a Titleist Thursday get fit and buy a decent set and equipment.

Today, I'm over 66 years old, on Medicare, don't hit as far, can't see that well, but have a nice yellow Titleist ball that I can see. This journey will have you walking on the course sometimes in total solitude (time to think). Times with friends (laughter, good for the soul), but most importantly, you will meet people of different ages, color, statue, and wisdom from all walks of life. Learn life lessons from them, their experiences in both golf and life. It might make your journey in life easier.

I've golf with millionaires, men who had only one arm, men who were blind, but still see (enjoying life in other ways), women who I out drove, but beat me because of their short game and putting, but the bottom line in is we all put our pants on the same way usually, one leg at a time. So welcome, enjoy the journey, but most importantly, learn and have fun.

Welcome to the game of joy & frustration.
Hope you can find a golf teacher that help you grow slowly and surely.
Good luck

What you should have with you is a great attitude man, this game is HARD! there are gonna be times when it feels impossible, theres gonna be times where it feels easy! Just keep a good attitude and keep on coming back!