Golf season in Colorado can go well into the fall, but I have heard a lot of good things about the courses in the Carolinas. If you really get into golf, you should check out No Laying Up's YouTube travel series as they went through the Carolinas and played at a number of courses.
I got a new iron set last year, and I tested/tried out a number of different brands/manufacturers. I ended up going with the TaylorMade Sim2, and I loved them. I got fitted for them, but I ended up being the stock measurements. But, if you are taller or have a flat swing, then getting fit is the way to go. Most places will waive the fitting fee if you end up buying a set of irons or a driver. My joke about using different manufacturers is that I have Callaway/Odyssey driver/wedges/putter and TaylorMade irons. I mainly use what feels good when I hit them, and what looks good when I address the ball.