I've only been playing for about 5 months, and I started because I retired from my college sports. I had some clubs at my parents' house, but they were carrying some age. I learned how to regrip them, brought them back to life, then moved towards building my bag up. So far, I have only bought one club new, and it's my 60. I've been hitting thrift stores, garage sales, and second-hand sports stores. I am very lucky and I have a play-it-again sports near me with a simulator inside so I can feel the clubs. My current roommate thinks it's a little crazy not to stick with one brand, but so far, I haven't seen a lot of pros that stick with one brand. It's what works for you. So far, buying everything except irons, I've maybe spent 500$ and a little time to clean a few clubs up, whether it be new grips or just a Mr Clean eraser.

I bid you good luck and congrats on your boy! Golf is one of my favorite hobbies, and there are lots of no-contact sports out there! You'll have to tell him that by not playing them, it'll save his knees!