Danny:i know of what you speak.i too have fought the hook/pull hook/duck hook for the last year..and for the last year i have put a lot of effort into finding the cause and cure.Like you i have a natural inside out swing that will put the hook spin on the ball.After endless balls at the range i finally isolated the problem..in my takeaway at waist high position my clubface would be closed..but why?I had a backswing that was too upright literally going too far up the line.This was not letting my RIGHT ELBOW TO FOLD properly.But instead it was flying out to the right closing down the clubface on the backswing and on the downswing.To correct this i started my takeaway with my LEFT shoulder TURNING to the right(not dipping)and letting the elbow fold up against my rib cage on the way back.Now you cant hold it there or it will surely wreck your shot..but merely let it separate as you PUSH the club on up to the top with your left shoulder and hips(without swaying of course)and then just lead down with the hip bump to the left.Yesterday i hit drives with my Taylor Made 3 metal that would make Greg Norman proud.Long and straight with sometimes a slight draw.Later on.. on the back 9 i snapped hooked it again..My wife who was playing along side me saw that i DIDNT let the RIGHT ELBOW FOLD rather letting it fly..result a closed clubface and a huge hook.I really have to guard against this flaw.I find that when i take the club back SLOWER and getting that LEFT SHOULDER TURNING TO START the takeaway..i usually get it folded properly letting the club square up.Sorry for the long post but when i read your post it sounded oh so familiar!!But i tell ya Danny..with this takeaway and the folding of the right elbow the swing feels really compact and your balance is much better and the shots fly straight!!David..ps and i swing the same swing with the irons and they have Dramatically improved!!