I am new to golf, started in Feb of this year, finally put my first full 18 on a card this morning from the whites at 131 (Course) including the drops and swing and misses, but stopping at double par when needed (probably 145-150 w/o stopping). Admittedly not my best golf even with a limited sample. Other scores through 9 on similar/slightly easier courses so far: 65, 56, 55, 58, 58. So much of my issue is off the tee w/driver, I top the ball or hit ground first (ball generally goes 40-160 yds straight depending on the hole) probably 6/10 swings, slice hard right another 2/10, pop fly 1/10, and pure one dead straight 210-240 1/10. Irons are slightly better and improving faster, wedges suck and putter is okay.
Should I keep going a bit to develop enough of a swing to be coachable before getting lessons, or is it best to do right away? If so, what are the generally good places that won't break the bank? (Bonus for Charlotte, NC area recs)