New golfer, questions about 1st set of clubs

[Newbie Collection Agency]

Hello to everybody, this is my first post. My wife and I are new to golf. We've both played a few rounds years ago, enjoyed it but never went any farther than that. We're both 38 and in decent shape. We are going to take some lessons in September. Neither one of us own any clubs and I have some questions. At first I was going to get both of us complete knock-off sets. I figured that would be fine for us to start with. Relatively inexpensive and we could always upgrade later. Well after reading some of the posts here I realize that may not be the best way to go. So could you make some recommendatoins please?

1. Complete set or not? I was also thinking about a set of hybrid irons with maybe a 3 wood to get us started.
2. What about fitting? Is it vital for us at this stage? Is a fitting different for a beginner vs. experienced? If so how would our fitting requirements change as our game improves?
3. Any tips on brands to look for or stay away from? Any other advice would be great.

Oh yeah, our budget is extremely limited. I'd say max $300 each.
Thanks,
Jerry

[lafrenz75]

Jerry, 3 wood is good, but you will notice that you and your wife will be playing in alot of executive 9 hole courses as begginers. But I bought it at first as well. Culb fitting is fine even for begginers. especially when it depends on the height for the both of you. If your budget is limited, you may have to plan on raising it. But I am not familiar with the hybrid market at all. I do know that clubs that integrate hybrid with a set of clubs can be expensive. But golf is expensive.
If you do get knockoffs, I am hoping that your height is below 6' but taller than 5'6". That is the standard lie angle for men. Consult with a shop with the women set, and confirm everything with them too.
But you could trust your club pro about that too!

[Entwhistle57]

You should look into buying a half set. 1,3,5 Woods 3,5,7,9,P Irons

And if you buy at your pro shop you can probably get a free fitting