Started late summer, last year, with a couple of series of lessons. Joined a club at the end of November and have been out as much as possible throughout the winter. Was a great time to start, as the conditions can only improve! I banged my handicap cards in as soon as we were playing the full course, so still in pretty crap conditions. Been given 30, but hoping and trusting that that will come down through the season.
I'd be up for a knock sometime, and can always take visitors round our pad at Stand GC. There's an initiative on for new members at the moment, where they get £100 credited to their bar card, if anyone's interested...