First off, "game improvement" clubs will definitely not help you get the ball airborne. I hate to be a wet blanket, but after 15 lessons, you really shouldn't be having this much trouble with this. I'd suggest another instructor, maybe, for your next lessons. Also, some of the obvious that has already been mentioned.... hit down & through the ball, don't try to "lift" it. Try not to worry about hitting the ground with your club, etc. Good Luck.

O.T. - What part of NY are you from ? I lived a good bit of my early youth in the Syracuse & NYC suburbs.