my grandad gave me some Cobra blades when I started playing golf in college. 10% of my shots were amazing.

Ended up with some Wilsons that I still have. Been meaning to get back into it.

I learned on my dads persimmon wood blades from the 50s. Most of my golfing was on the wrong clubs until I got fitted. I went thru 4 sets over 23 years. I have 4 wedges, 3 woods.  I said I play by the book but I am breaking one rule. Too many clubs in my bag. So technically every round I shoot is not valid.

Went thru a bunch of drivers. Just by the 2 year old model for 150 bucks instead of 450. I snapped the head off of at least 2.

Need to fix that. Pros go thru a lot of thought on what clubs they carry depending on course. But they typically have a good amount of wedges.

Buy a cheap "starter set" from Golf galaxy.  Spend the extra money on a couple of lessons with a Pro. If your still hopped up in golf next year buy a good set of clubs.

Tommy Armour Silver Scot 845s. Still played on tour, IIRC.

Ebay!  Pick up an old titleist 905r off ebay if you want a cheap amazing driver.

Yea. Sadly, it's usually 300 into the woods though.

I don't get to play enough to stay consistent.

+1.   Great clubs...then and now.

I'm happy to hit my fuckin driver 230 from the tee.

Walmart sells used golf balls. They are called "Hit it again" or something like that. They are once used Nike, Bridgestone, and Titelist from what I saw today

I'm 42 and still have the set of Spalding clubs I got in Jr. High.

Much of the offerings considered Game Improvement or Super Game Improvement will be what you're after.  I had a set of Callaway X-22 Hot that I really liked before I sold them.  You can find a set of those well in your budget.  I'd spend a little extra for a new set of grips and a fitting if you can.  I'm partial to the Winn oversized.  They're nice and soft and have plenty of grips when the hands get sweaty.

Find a couple of local courses that are decent.  Go see if they have any trade-in sets that you can hit to see if you like.  I was at a course on Friday that had Titleist 915D3 drivers, new still in wrapper, for $150.  The 3w was $125.  Find a used set of irons and a deal on the woods like I described and you could have a great set of clubs for $500 that would have some decent resale value if you decide to upgrade.  

I've been out of playing for about 8 years but have recently got back into because my 9yo is starting to play and I'm trying to get him started in tournaments.  I keep looking at upgrades but but Titleist 905F driver still puts me out at 275-300 consistently so it's hard to change.  If you find something that you can hit stick with them.  I have a buddy who gets a new set of clubs every year but is inconsistent.  Spend the money on lessons and rounds.

When I was in the same position as you a few years ago I ended up buying a set of Clevelands. Good price point and quality in my opinion, especially if you are just getting into it.

FIRST

Buy USED.  Shop Craigslist, Ebay, Second hand sports stores

IF and ONLY IF you like the game and really get into it then go buy new.

SECOND

Google "golf club distance chart", I taped the ranges onto each club.

That will show you how far you should be hitting the ball with each club.
If you are hitting within the average distances on the chart.......no need to swing harder.
The ball will not go any farther.

ie.....Don't get caught up in the distance thing......just swing the club and find your happy place.


The short game is where the real skill comes into play.

Go to Edwin Watts and look at their used clubs.

You can easily buy quality gear with a driver, wood, hybrid, irons, wedges, putter and bag for your goal price.

I am a fan of Pings and Callaways for just starting out as those clubs are most forgiving amd easiest to hit.

Ignore brand recommendations.  Especially buying used.

Get fitted. Get clubs that work for you. If you're high handicapper like me it will help big time.