Definitely get “fitted” and take lessons before playing. You can get fitted with used clubs to start and they can do that at golf central in Brownwood. Sarasota is another helpful place and they have professional lessons there too. Good luck and enjoy!

This post wins the blue ribbon IMHO.

I started with Ben Hogan's book "Five lessons." The golf
swing involves only a few essential elements, which, when performed correctly and in sequence, are the essence of the swing. Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf is perhaps the most widely read golf tutorial ever written. The principles therein are often parroted by modern "swing gurus". In the Five Lessons, Hogan breaks down the swing into four parts: The Fundamentals, The Grip, Stance and Posture, and The Swing.
I would use this for the first six months, then go to an actual golf instructor. That way he'll have something to work with. Just my opinion.