I have a set of irons, but don't yet have any woods.

After reading around on the internet and a few golf mags I'm wondering if a hybrid is the way to go for my first longer distance club (ignoring the long irons)?

The club I'm thinking of getting is the taylormade burner rescue (graphite, 19 loft, regular flex). 

I'd then look to buy a 3 wood in another 6 months or so.

I get the impression that a hybrid would be easier to use, as it's similar swing to irons, and remain a useful club to have in my bag - so not something I'd grow out of.

Hi Ross and welcome to the web site.  In my opinion if you are a beginner and don’t have any woods the first club you should buy now is the 3 wood.   You are correct that hybrid clubs are definitely a good addition to anyone’s golf bag and you are also correct with regards to the swing path.   But that swing path is also the same for the driver and the 3 wood so I would recommend buying a Taylor Made V Steel 3 wood probably same price as the rescue, this club will always be there for you.   I see you that you near Reading, I play out of a golf club in Newbury so if you’re up for game give me a message.

I agree with John, a 3 wood is probably the way to go.

You mind find it tricky off the fairways though, a 5 wood might be better for both duties.

But don't buy off the 'net, go and try them somewhere, the savings you might make on buying one club are not worth it.

 Thanks guys, some food for thought.

I'd initially considered a 5 wood, but then read how a lot of people find the 5 wood redundant when they add a 19 degree hybrid to their bag. I'd quite like to avoid buying a club that doesn't get used after a few months.

I had difficulty striking a 3 wood accurately, and the 5 wood was too short, so I have invested in a 4 wood and 2 hybrids. That works really well for me!

BB

The main advantage of the hybrid over an equivalent wood is the shorter shaft, which gives you more control. I'd say that if you think your eventual full set will include a 19-20* hybrid, and many do, then buying one now and putting it into play can't possibly hurt. It will probably give you more distance, more reliably than (say) a 4-iron.

What I would caution against is trying to use it off anything other than tee or maybe a perfect fairway lie (at least if your main goal for the round is scoring rather than practice/fun), until you're used to it.

However, I think you may be allowing yourself to get a bit psyched about the whole driver thing. If money allows, get a big-headed driver with plenty of loft (14-15 degrees) - maybe MD or Benross. Then get the shaft cut down by 1.5", so it's now basically an enormous 3-wood for tee shots only (you might want a bit of weight added to the head - ask the pro who cust down your shaft for advice). You'll have a club which you should be able to control, with a huge head (and a correspondingly huge sweet spot). Take it over the range, and I bet you'll be using it on the course after a session or two.