If you have clubs that dont fit you then you will create a swing and potentially bad swing habits in order to get the results you want. Getting fit first allows you to develop the right swing with fewer swing compensations.

I agree. When I first started playing golf, I knew nothing about equipment. I picked up a standard set and played those. The following year I had a fitting and it turned out I needed +2-inches and 2º upright in my irons/wedges. That made a big difference.

I've had the same question too but I feel like a fitting before a lesson would be more helpful. Golf is already hard as it is and I feel like trying to get good with a set that isn't fit to your swing is going to hinder your progress at getting better.

I think lessons first..you need to develop your basic fundamentals with what clubs you will be using..I know a lot of players that have never been fitted but score very well..learn all that you can with lessons..

Not sure if my experience is common; but, I went to a pretty well respected club for a fitting and somehow it morphed into on-going lessons. I learned a fair bit and enjoyed the dozen or so that I took over the course of several months. But I (still) haven't been 'fitted' for clubs and I'm once again itching to replace my ancient swoosh blades.

A good fitter will suggest stopping a fitting if there is a basic flaw needs serious correction. Otherwise there may be some pointers for minor adjustments as part of the fitting. My fitter is my coach and for better or for worse, has some ownership in my swing.

For an entirely new golfer, hopefully talk to a pro on how to get started w/o buying a full bag first.

Lesson then fitting.

There is no good answer to this, every situation is different. If you are committed to lessons and making serious swing changes, then I would recommend going to a pro who also does club fitting and consult with him. He can best assess and recommend where your swing is, what you want to work on, and whether your current equipment is anywhere close to what it should be vs better fitting options.