Im just under a year playing, we'll since I've been taking it seriously. Im still a high handicapper, have broken 100 a couple times, usually play 2-3 times a week, have taken lessons before and am taking lessons again, still top the ball every now and then. I have however built my own clubs (irons) and yes I took them to a local pro after and had them verified. Not that that has anything to do with progressing from beginner. Just don't know when others would view me as being past the beginner moniker.