Newbie here looking for some golf purchasing advice

Hello, I'm getting into golf. Haven't really done all that much of it. Mostly driver range type of thing when I was a teenager is about the best experience I have. The short of it is I've been thinking of picking up golf for more than a few years now, but always put it off. As it happens my brother just recently got into it, and wants a golfing buddy. So here I am, trying to learn what I need and what to get, and being extremely overwhelmed by the options and information.

So here's my goal. I want to "build" a beginner set that I can grow into. My budget is roughly $500 give or take a bit. I know I'm looking for extremely forgiving equipment here as my experience is VERY limiting. As I recall I remember Adams having a good name for that type of thing. So I decided to build my set starting there.

Here's what I have so far:

Adams Insight A3OS (I remember this being a really easy driver to hit with)

Adams Iron A7os set (Hybrid 5, 6i and 7i, 8-iron thru pitching wedge, Sand Wedge)

That's all I have, I'm going off of broken knowledge. lol I have no idea where to go with with a putter, or other woods. I want to build a full 14 piece set... So please suggestions welcome!

I can't really give you advice on Woods or Wedges because I don't know your strengths/weaknesses or how far you hit the ball.

As far as putter goes, you need to go to a golf store and just putt with them.  There are many different brands and different styles.  Just find what you putt with best.   It would be even better if you can find a store that will let you demo clubs for a couple days and take it to the course.

Ah, well I'm nerd. A REAL one. So I'm scrawny as hell. So not really a hard hitter. lol I think the only reason I can semi keep with with the other guys is due to archery. (old school wood longbows 50+ pound pull)

A note on the putter, I was thinking something simple and forgiving like a mallet putter?

But in generally, I need the ball to go farther.

Go to your local golf shop and try out different types of putters. The putter is a make or break thing. Something that works for you. Personally I have a tough time controlling distance with mallet putters. I prefer a slightly heavier classic blade with a center shaft. You should choose something that is easy for your eyes to line up, and feels natural. As far as fairway woods go...hybrids are much easier to hit. So packing a 3 hybrid should give you a suitable replacement for fairway woods.

I agree with this. I've been golfing 3 years now and I finally am feeling confident enough to hit a 3 wood. I have the A7OS set and the 4 and 5 hybrids will instantly put you at an advantage over your buddy if he is hitting 4 or 5 iron. The set is as easy to hit as anything. If I were you, I'd get that set and a nice 3 hybrid (don't even worry about a driver right away). If you are like me, and most beginners I have talked to, the 3 hybrid will probably give you more distance than a driver anyways (39 yards of slice takes a lot of distance off). I still hit my 3 wood longer than my driver most times because I have the confidence in it to swing faster and smoother (~230-250 yards on a good one). I wouldn't spent too much money on a putter right away, if you can find a cheap one that feels good. I think your money is better spent on a nice hybrid, which will be your best friend when you are in the rough or after you top or chunk a shot and have 200 yards to the green still. Those are my tips from a fellow beginner (I shoot from 90-105 depending on the difficulty of the course).

Honestly, I don't think I have a local golf shop. Which is odd as I'm 5 min away from a 18 hole golf course. Good idea on the hybrids. I'm digging around finding this and that to build my set. But Sheesh trying to find used golf anything is hard. It's not that it's not there, but for the price I may as well spend a extra few bucks and just buy new. (8 different golf websits and ebay of course)

You can get a Taylormade burner 2.0 3 hybrid (basically a 2 hybrid from anyone else) for $90 from rock bottom golf. Way better deal than the RBZ stage 2 for $180 at the same site. I have the burner 2.0 and it is very easy to hit and can make up a lot of distance for you fast.

To try out putters....just got to dick's sporting goods(with a golf ball in your pocket, they usually don't have one out because of kids) and just putt with the different styles. I became friends with a few guys up at the local course. Most places, the people will be generally friendly, especially with a beginning golfer. We pass around putters like crazy, everyone wants to try something new. So just get one to start out, and somebody will usually let you try theirs on the practice green. If you really want a driver, the main concern is flex. Ideally you want to get your swing speed. If that isn't an option, go with regular flex and practice with a nice, easy swing.

Update: So I ended buying a set of a12 OS 4H-6H 7-GW Hybrid Iron set. A Datrek Go-Lite 14 Stand Bag, as I plan to walk the course at least half the time. Driver I went with that Adams insight a3OS. But will likely soon purchase that Taylormade burner 2.0 3 hybrid after a I bang the crap out of that Adams insight getting my swing in tow. Going to find a golf store and feel out the putter as you all suggested. Way too many of you say it for me not to heed. lol Will pick up some balls, tie, glove etc there while I'm at it.

So umm. What else do you all think I need? Other than the putter, I feel like I'm missing a club or two? Or something... Oh, and btw. After spending all this cash so far, I feel like I'm going to puke. =D

2 more things that I would suggest: 1. A 56 degree wedge. Something to chip with around the green and the go-to club from 60 yards and in. It's also called a "sand wedge" for that apparent usage. They make cavity back wedges with a reasonable amount of forgiveness. Make sure it has a higher bounce(10+) cause chipping with a butter knife is rather tricky. 2. Golf shoes! Traction is key. I left my golf shoes at the house one time on accident and anything over a 3/4 shot was very shaky. Not a must, but they sure do help.

glad you picked up a set with hybrids. you can use those around the green too. use whatever club keeps you in the fairway and you will have more fun imo

Update: Okay, so I spent close to an hour trying out putters in Dicks sports. I ended up walking out with an Odyssey White Ice #1. I liked the heft to it, it almost felt a little like a mallet in my hands. Which I like heavier putters, but wow. Barely touch the ball and it goes a long long way. I kept sinking the balls at least as half a much with it over any others I tried. Thanks for the tip on that one, really worked out for me.

@ninja: I'll look into that club, golf shoes I have though. Well, maybe not specifically GOLF shoes, but a pair of shoes that have very good traction. lol