Golf beginners are often thrown in at the deep end and it can be a little daunting to work out what gear you need before you hit the fairway. Generally speaking, its pretty much the same with any other sport though and there are some things that you will need which are more important than the others - golf irons and balls for example.
This list will serve as a good starting point;
Some good golf irons - Choosing the right irons varies from person to person and much is down to personal preferance and experience. Having said that, if you choose a good set then you can get better far quicker. Forged blade irons are for those that are serious about golf, though be warned that they are harder to master than other irons.
Some good golf shoes - You can actually get away with a decent pair of sports shoes but if you are serious about golf then you should look at getting some proper footwear. Not only will your feet be more comfortable but they will also help to keep them dry and if you opt for spikes, you wont be slipping around. This is also true for the ladies as well - even the most fashion aware woman golfer will find what they can still be stylish when wearing womens golf shoes.
The right type of golf ball - There are different types of balls you can use and if you are starting out, you will want to look at a golf ball that is quite forgiving. A distance golf ball will go further than most others so are a good choice, plus they also limit the amount of swerve too. These would be best for anyone that is looking for straighter shots, with more distance but have yet to master the slice.
Some suitable head gear - Playing a full round of golf might mean you are on the course for most of the day. Not only will this help to shield your eyes from sun glare when you are taking shots, it will also help to prevent sun stroke. This is more common sense than anything else and as they aren't expensive there is no reason to not have one handy.
You can get most other items as and when you have the money. Be warned that some golf clubs and pavilions have a strict dress code though. Golf pants and shirts are not expensive and if you play often, its probably worth picking up a few pairs too.
