How difficult is it to learn how to golf?
 

I know a lot of people that go just for the social element of it. I dont know if they are any good but I kind of want to try it out this summer. I dont own any clubs or know the first thing about it, so would it be better for me to try and find a course that rents clubs or just go buy a cheap set to get me started? And would it be better to do it on my own the first few times until I get the hang of it or go with a group of others?

It would be better to get a medium-good set of clubs and take lessons. I've heard that it is VERY frustrating to try and learn on the course.

Can you drink beer? You're half way there.

Get a cheap used set. The expensive ones aren't going to help you at this stage and you might only chose to play a couple times.



Start at a driving range and putting green to get a feel for it. Then move on to a par 3 range so you can practice the short strokes. When your friends are ready to go to a real course, just bring a ton of balls and have fun. No one is really going to care how you play.



If you want to play for work related reasons and to impress clients, then get a few lessons to start with.

I agree with JonGTR . Is the best way.