I went through this a couple months ago so what I did was I found a great teacher who was also ranked a top 5 club fitter on the east coast. I signed up for a 5 lesson package and took 3 lessons in the first month. After the first 3 lessons I took another month to really practice my swing. I then went back to my instructor and ordered a new set of Ping G15's fitted for me. The Pings are still on order and should arrive this week. I plan on using the irons for a month and then going back to take my last 2 lessons. By the time I get done with the lesson package it will take me into October which will be the end of the season for me. However, come March I plan on signing up for another 3 lessons to start the season off. The goal is to be a single digit handicap by next June.
Yes this plan takes a lot of time however we have the rest of our lives to play this game so we might as well do it the right way. I started playing about 4 years ago and I honestly wish I would have done this to start with. Oh well, live and learn!