Start with a few lessons. Then get the instructor to recommend a few suitable makes and models of club for OH's size and budget, and then try them out, new or secondhand. Some clubs feel better to one golfer than others, and vice versa. Get him to choose ones that he likes from the recommendations, and remember it will be easier to sell/trade-in a recognised brand later when the time comes for an upgrade. Then try and source a good second-hand set, or new if budget permits, but I'd recommend a fairly modest purchase at this stage. E-bay has lots of bargains, but you cannot try them out for "feel" on the internet, so you must know in advance exactly what you want to buy. Remember also that most prices you see will be in sterling, and postage from UK always needs to be added on. Alternatively, you could get a comprehensive starter set for that price, but it may not suit him, and if he then wants to upgrade later when he gets more into it (and I'm sure he will!) it will have little resale value. Better to get a good set of second hands, and get them regripped if necessary, which will do for as long as necessary, and which can be traded in later. Remember that there's lots of other stuff to get too, but most of it will be acquired/replaced/upgraded over time. However the most important purchase to get right in the first place IMHO is a good set of golf shoes that fit PROPERLY and keep the feet dry. I would recommend Footjoys personally. Sorry - I could go on about this for hours!!