Several weeks ago a golf magazines caught my eye. A banner on the cover said “217 ways to add 15 yards.” I’m good at doing math in my head, so I figured out that by following every one of those tips, I could hit the ball 3,255 yards and get around the front nine in 3.

We all want to hit the ball farther. Golf is easier to play, and more fun, when you can hit the ball a long way.

Golf magazines lead off every month with headlines like the one above. It’s all about sales, and distance sells.

You can find an article about hitting the ball straighter, but you have to look inside to find it.

The fact about distance, though, is that hitting the ball a long way is a talent. It’s not something you can learn how to do. You have it or you don’t.

When your technique is sound, meaning you hit the ball on the center of the clubface, you will hit the ball as far as your talent allows.

How do you get all the distance you’re due? Take a look at the golfers on the LPGA circuit. None of them are as big as you, or as strong as you, but they hit the ball a lot farther than you do. Why?

Because their mechanics are flawless. They deliver a centered, in-line hit every time. Their swings are efficient. Those are the models you should copy.

Here’s another truth about distance. Straight is better. Would you rather be known as someone who can hit a 7-iron 160 yards, or who can put a 7-iron in the green 80 percent of the time from whatever distance?

Both would be nice, but for recreational golfers it’s generally one or the other. Choose number two.

If you go for straight, you’ll get all the length you are capable of. And that will be enough to play good golf.