iop: All good opins, above...but, here's mine based on not complete
info from you:
-Most $500 "sets" have 3-PW irons and maybe a so-so driver, 3 wood, et al. Also, most "iron sets" of all quality still stick to the 3-PW; if you are
"beginning", you will not like or, hit those 3 or 4 irons very well. Thus, you paid for 2 clubs you will rarely use and never master.
-Fitting is a good rec'd, but if you are a high 20s to mid 30s HDCP/beginner, most swing analyzers are not going to see much of a good swing from you during that diagnosis period. And, the best tools on the planet are not going to shave 5 strokes off any neophyte's game.
Also, that "fitting session" is not going to be very indicative of your
swing as it improves and becomes more repeatable a year or so, from now.
-Many of us as beginning golfers, feel we need 14 clubs in the bag;
doubtful and prob. unnecessary. A beginning swing will offer lil'diff in distance from 3 wd to 5 wd, etc.
-If the clubs are for you and, you are truly a beginner, I'd do the Costco or the Golf Warehouse, or the like:
http://www.tgw.com/main.jsp
Noodle the site, see "closeouts", buy sumpin'you like and give them a whirl. Say, 5-PW, SW...3 Wd,7Wd. Driver is less friendly and accurate than a good 3 wd, will seldom go further for beginner and is mainly an expensive marketing contest for most companies, imo.
Go play with this <500 buck buy for a season, take some lessons from a teaching pro, practice on range and On Course...see if you become addicted and really like it and, have the time to do the game.
Then, a yearish or two, go get fitted and spend that 700-grand.
I began 5 years ago as a rank rookie...it has been frustrating and a struggle and is usually sadness or euphoria, but it's a helluva game.
The above is not to offer my "credentials" as a good player, (currently 13.8 HDCP Index, down from orig 36 4 yrs ago), but to throw opin that
fitting/dropping serious dough as a beginner is like learning to drive in a F1 car.
GL, & my Qtr's up.
BR, md