My biggest mistake I ever made was trying to teach myself. If there is a store with a PGA professional instructor-fitter, they can start helping you with a swing routine with irons. Drivers are sexy, but are used about 14 strokes a round. Irons, wedges, and putters make up the rest of your strokes. If the location has used clubs, they can help you with just a 7 iron or an iron set to get you started.
Good luck on getting started.

I would be looking for something cheap second hand set to start with and progress from there. Try and find some cavity back/ game improvement irons. Just take it one step at a time and don't expect to be great from the start, it takes time to get good at this game. Just go enjoy yourself

Hi Kenneth:

Welcome to TT and your golf journey. If you have the time, inclination, and resources, I would start with lessons from a certified PGA teacher, hopefully at a Titleist fitting center if at all possible. The pro will be able to get you started on the right track with the basics of grip, stance and alignment, and, recommend clubs that will help you get the most out of your swing. If you really want to go the from there, a full fitting would be in order.

Internet tips will drive you mad.
Too many lessons in a short period of time will drive you mad.
Chasing equipment will drive you mad.

With that said...I would suggest 'some' professional lessons with an understanding that learning is a long process.

Practice with intent. Decide on 2 things you want to improve on each season...over time, your game will become more complete. Focus on short game - chipping and putting.

Buy equipment that won't break the bank - plan on going in deeper once you get more consistent. In the end - it is you, not the equipment. Starting out, a full set is not essential. Game improvement category. 2nd hand is fine. A driver, some irons, say 5-P, a wedge and a putter is fine. Careful you do not get weird specs (like too stiff or not stiff enough - longer or shorter than stock shaft lengths if you are of average build...etc)

I agree with what MMcgowan said. Don't spend a lot of money on clubs at the start. Look for a starter set or a set of used clubs...perhaps craigslist.

To add to what Don and Erich indicated....Take some lessons from a certified PGA teacher....not from the guy next to you on the range. The teacher will help you setup your basic fundamentals. When I started playing golf, this was the biggest mistake I ever made...not taking lessons. If you're not sure who to go to, ask your friends, co-workers, neighbors, church members, etc. When you talk to an instructor, ask them what they can do for you and tell them what your expectations are. You are interviewing them! Best of luck to you.

I have golfed for about 7 months and the most important thing I’ve seen and has had happen to me is dont develpop bad habits, lessons can be expensive but are definitely worth it because you are pretty much limiting yourself with out them. In other words you cant teach an old dog new tricks. Goodluck on your golf journey.

When I was a club pro, there was a program called Get Golf Ready. This was a series of 6 lessons that would teach basic fundamentals along with proper etiquette on the course. It was a very easy and simple way to go from never playing to being comfortable with going and playing 18/9 holes.

I would look at the PGA pros in the area and see if any offer something like that or even clinics at local ranges. This will get you a great foundation and set you up for lifelong love of the game.

From the outset practice course management and you will learn to love the game very quickly
Just just hit and hope