Golf beginner - where to start and what do I need?

I've been thinking about taking up golf over the last couple of years. Other than going to the driving range and making an ass of myself with my friends or playing mini golf, I am new to the game. I know the rules, terminology, just need to learn how to develop and refine my swing.

And I also need to know what kind of equipment I need.

Also, what is the best way to get decent discounts on green fees?

The first time you go out golfing, asked an experienced golfer with you to be brutal about your etiquette:

Fixing ballmarks
Talking/moving
Ready golf vs whose turn is it
Picking up tees
Taking extra shots
Slowing down the group
Line of sight distraction
Searching for lost balls
Walking across putting line
etc etc.......

Take a few golf lessons to get the fundamentals down pat for starters.

It's much easier to learn the right way than to uncorrect your wrong doings once they are habit from prematurely playing on courses and going to driving ranges without the proper instruction first.

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