Hi Jon,
I think the first 18 inches of take away is probably the most important part of the swing, it puts you in correct plane, promots good body, shoulder turn and correct waight shift. I think you need to work on this part of the game. take the club back using your arms, shoulders and hands at the same time, it sounds that your hands taking over and creating over swing / cramped at the top. you can find good take away technique in the instruction page. hope this helps.