This is an interesting topic. I'm a woman and I've developed an interest in learning golf in the past few weeks. I'm getting ready for lessons this month and I've had two totally different reactions from the men around me:
1. My Dad who's played several times a week for more than forty years religiously and is real old-school, seems excited that someone else in the family has finally taken an interest in the game. He's given me what I feel is the most valuable tip so far: Practice, practice, practice! He said not to even think about going out on the course right away and I plan to take his advice
2. My Boyfriend who plays occasionally (less than 5 times a year) with "the boys" has tried to pretend like he didn't hear me when I said I was interested in learning golf

. I made it really clear that I had no interest in infringing on his "man time" but he's kind of ambivalent about it. I'm actually looking forward to finding some beginner ladies to play with and have some "woman time" as it were, but it might be nice doing the couples thing every once in a while.
All I can say is: you guys sure are interesting!