Golf Etiquette

So funny story.... I started golf lessons tonight with some friends at work. Now I just want to say up front that am not familiar with the game of golf and I don't pretend to know what I am doing on a golf course, so I arrive at the course and go into the club shop to sign in (key point: while carrying my golf bag). The lady at the desk says, "please leave your golf bag outside on the bag racks." So, being completely embarrassed for not knowing that, I turned toward the door and whack a stand of merchandise with my bag. My face turned beat red and I got out of there as quickly as possible without looking back, totally embarrassed! So FYI, you should never bring your clubs into the golf shop. :) Lesson learned.