Welcome Dave.......to this great, frustrating, fun game.
My advice is to play all the courses (play stroke rounds and learn ALL the different type of shots, play with all tiers and be a sponge - ask questions.
Then search the forums or ask questions, players will help!
Do NOT rush to buy equipment, take your time in learning the shots before rushing in - it can get expensive in the early levels as equipment will be outgrown quickly.
In the interim, do as many credit offers as possible and start accruing so you are in the position to purchase clubs without a real cost to you.......only your time.
Above all, have fun and enjoy the game.