You can always take lessons, almost any course has a pro that can get you started.
The great thing is now even the most affordable clubs are great compared to what was available 20 years ago, and it's an easy sport once you figure out the basic mechanics.
Some tips I can tell you, that you cannot hear or practice enough and they really advanced my game quickly as a new player:
Keep your eye on the ball the ENTIRE swing. Don't let yourself look down range before you strike the ball. Sounds simple, but even the best golfers forget to keep their eye on the ball.
Position your head above the ball, don't move it from side to side, or up & down during the swing. Remind yourself before every swing "Don't move my fucking head". This will force your body to be in alignment, the elevation of your swing to remain constant, and will prevent you from hitting too far under or over the ball.
Follow through, every time. Once you contact the ball, what you do to carry the club up and over your opposing shoulder will determine your consistency. Always follow through, always the same way, every time.
Don't muscle the swing, EVER. Speed makes a long drive, not muscle. Relax, swing comfortably and gently and let experience increase distance. Men's urge is to power the fuck out of the club, that's a horrible tendency.
Also, twist at the waist as you swing. When you're at take-away (or cocked with the club over your right shoulder), your hips should be facing back away from the ball. At address or when you contact the ball your hips should be perpendicular to the ball, and after you make contact your hips should square up and face down range. Having that twist to your hips will allow you to make power....contortion and a spring-like drive of your upper body. Watch Tiger Woods do this:
video.search.yahoo.com/video/play?p=golf+swing&n=21&ei=utf-8&js=1&fr=yfp-t-501&fr2=tab-web&tnr=20&vid=1306671964Watch his hips, you'll see exactly what I mean.
Good luck, it's a fun game and the parallels to shooting are actually quite helpful. Muscle memory, consistency, yardage estimation, and patience. Oh, and you can drink & drive legally, which rocks.