April 2004 - What's the next step in the evolution of lightweight carry bags? Would you believe a golf bag that is so light that the bag ceases to exist?
Meet the A Frame. If you want a golf bag that won't weigh down your walk - and you're the type who'll enjoy the odd looks and questions you'll get from other golfers the first time you show up at your course with it - the A Frame just might be for you.


The A Frame is essentially two triangular pieces of plastic (polypropylene, to be exact) into which 14 golf clubs are clipped into place. The flexible clips hold clubs firmly in place but with no threat of damage to graphite shafts.

The A Frame also holds 12 balls, 20 tees, has a spot for an umbrella, and accessories include a waterproof pouch slung between the two frames to carry valuables, rain gear and the like. It comes in both a single strap or double strap.

And just how light is the A Frame? Less than 1 pound - 0.8 pounds, in fact.

The A Frame is the invention of Jo Gascoigne, an Briton who came up with the idea while studying Engineering Product Design at South Bank University in London. His first attempt at building the A Frame used, believe it or not, cardboard cut from his young son's diaper box.

"I was amazed to see that with just two pieces of cardboard, the weight of 14 clubs could be supported and the whole thing had structure," said Gascoigne.

The A Frame has come a long way since then, going through much design work and several prototypes before the market version was perfected.

Gascoigne and his brother-in-law, Mark Newson-Smith, founded A Frame Golf Limited in 2002.

The A Frame is priced at 45 Euros, which, at the time of this writing, translates to $50-$60. Due to tax regulations and changing shipping fees, U.S. orders cannot be placed through the company Web site. Interested parties should contact the company directly at sales@aframegolf.com.

Gascoigne said the reaction from golfers goes from disbelief to sweet relief when they give the A Frame a try.

"The first time that Mark and I played with it we got stares of disbelief from other golfers," Gascoigne said. "In a very traditional market, where not a lot really changes, it has provided a great topic of conversation.

"We also regularly get reports from players who say that their game, in terms of score and enjoyment, has improved. Particularly where they avoid the dreaded mid/end round bleeding where tiredness creeps in and costly errors are made which can wreck an otherwise good scorecard."

Review: The A Frame