good find and a lot of useful information there.

other things that IMO i think are important is to get your handicap as quickly as possible and then play in comps. more so for the fact that if this is the road you want to take you have to get use to playing in comp conditions. the pressures and mind games are so much different than having a social hit with your friends.

practice is another key element. for me practice is match day, but when i get the chance to have a round by myself i'll play my main ball, then 1 other if i've done a bad shot "to get it right" so to speak. this of course will depend on how busy your course is.

definately work on putting, followed by your short game (inside 150m) then chipping.

get a set of clubs that are made for you. they don't have to be expensive, but getting clubs that are made to your height, swing speed and club angle etc, etc will get you started down the right path and you'll be able to hold onto them longer until your game picks up.

don't worry about buying big brand name balls when you first start out, they will be a waste of money for you at this time, but buy the cheaper balls and stick with them. they will help with consistancy in putting, driving, chipping and short game.. well everything. you'll know how the ball will react each time you hit it... keep everything simple.

lessons are a personal thing, but you should have your first one after 2 months of playing the game, that way you'll be able to hit the ball when you go to see the tutor, but not have too many bad habits, he can sort that out for you first time around. depending on the type of lesson you have i would give it atleast 3 - 5 weeks before your 2nd as it will take you about 4 games to work your previous lessons instructions into your game and control what you have learnt.

we all do it, but trying to hit the cover off the ball on every shot is probably the #1 BAD thing in golf. take nice easy relaxed shots, you may hit it shorter than other players around you but you want to try and hit the ball straight.

think about it. tiger woods can hit his drive over 300yards, but if he hit 300yards left or right, slice or snap hook he would lose a stroke trying to get out of the prediciment he just put himself in and wouldn't be a world class golfer. and on the average 13 holes using your driver in a round thats 13 extra shots.

my 2c