I would suggest that someone starting out spend time on the driving range until they become comfortable hitting the ball. I hate to see a beginner get beat up on the course and then give up because they can't hit it as far or as straight as others in their group. Plan to spend a least 3 months doing nothing but being a range rat. Then spend a month to six weeks around some practice putting green working on nothing but chipping and putting...this is where you score.

Then find a friendly course...a short course...not necessaryly a par 3 but just a short course that again won't beat you up.

Finally find a few good friends who are fun to play with hopefully at your level or slightly better. Then... TEE IT UP!