Fact is, a stance that is slightly narrower than shoulder-width may produce those extra yards. Although it may not feel as powerful, placing your feet closer together frees you up to make the biggest torso turn possible. It feels powerful, and looks that way too, because the face shuts down slightly, reducing loft. But a hands-ahead position encourages a move that may very well cost you distance. Instead of starting the club back in one piece, with the shoulders rotating to control the movement, you're encouraged to pick up the club with your hands to start the swing, reducing the size of the backswing arc.
Less arc means less centrifugal force and less distance.
You're far better off addressing the ball so the clubshaft is perpendicular to the ground and your hands are slightly behind the ball. Then you can make a one-piece takeaway and a big backswing. Ask instructors and experts in the Instruction Forum .