f/ golf newbies, i'd suggest buying tommy amour something scott or scott something. it's relatively cheap. irons should run u around 4-5 bills, which is quite reasonable f/ a quality manufacturer. and the woods, well u could spend a fortune so i won't even bother venturing there.
as previously mentioned by others, go test drive the clubs and then decide. don't be fooled by one game and buy the set/club as a result, go out another time and also, go to the driving range as often as time affords. good luck flogging.
lessons never hurt but remember there is a million ways to hit a ball and every one is valid in there own right... why do we do this to ourselves?