as begginer as you can get

I've been interested in playing golf for a while and finally built up the nerve to buy a set of clubs. This is how begginer I am. Been to a driving range about 5 times, played a par 3 four times and a 9 hole par 31 twice. Which led me to this forum. My goal the first time I play 18 is to shoot below a 110. That being said here are my questions

1. Do clubs really make a difference? A buddy told me that when he finally bought a good set of clubs he dropped about 5-8 strokes off his game instantly. I know I bought a cheap set (Tour Logic from Target), should I just give up on this set of clubs and shop around for a decent set of clubs within my price range?

2. what is the best way to determine the distance I hit with each club? driving range, golf simulator, or something else I'm not aware of? The reason I ask is because I don't consistently hit the same distance with a difference of as much as 50+ yards from one time to the next.

3. With only about 3 hours every Saturday morning to practice what should I be doing at the driving range/chipping/putting course/par 3's to work towards my goal of shooting below a 110 my first 18?

A big thanks to everyone for taking a moment to look at this thread.

Welcome to the best game there is. 1. While clubs make a difference eventually, I believe anyone can learn the basic fundamentals of the swing on any set of clubs. Focus on developing a swing that you can repeat consistently instead of the brand you're putting in the bag. If you top the ball with a beginner set or a tour caliber Titleist set, it's going to have the same result. 2. I would hit the range and develop a practice plan. Hit a few 9's, work your way down, hit some woods. See what the ball is doing. Realize that you will make mistakes and that there will be shots you love, shots you hate, and shots you have to sit back and laugh at. Read up on the principles of a golf swing and put it together, component by component. As much as the full swing gets the glory on the range, more important is rolling putts and chipping/pitching. It's amazing to think that the ball being less than 50 yds from the cup is probably where the game is the hardest, and where the most strokes are gained. Practice putting and chipping the ball onto the green. Practice getting the ball as near to the green/cup as you can from 30yds in. 3. Hit some full swing balls, see what you can do. Take a bunch of practice swings for each ball you actually hit. Roll putts from a distance, from mid range, and from 5ft. Chip a bucket onto the green. Learn from each shot. Most importantly, whether you shoot 72, 108, or 150, relax and have fun, it's a great game. Don't get discouraged or down on yourself, there's always the next shot. Hope this helps.

For a beginner, clubs that fit your body matter a lot more than the quality of the clubs. Get the correct LIE and length. Even if you just have a few clubs bent to the correct lie, you will be better off in both the short and long run compared to a full set that do not fit. My teachers say, a $5 set from a garage sale that fit are better than a $5000 set that do not. If your clubs do not hit, you will make compensations in your swing in order to try and hit the ball straight. Those compensations become habits.

I wish I'd started with a few lessons to get me on the right track. Take group lessons through the park district. But have someone help you understand a proper golf swing. Habits develop quickly and bad habits are hard to change. That's another reason you want your clubs to fit so that they reward correct swings. Find a pro who will check out your clubs and get you pointed on the right road so you know what to practice.

Good luck. BTW, nice avatar picture.