The golf community is mourning the loss of Cody ‘Beef’ Franke, a vibrant personality from Barstool Sports’ Fore Play podcast, who died suddenly at age 31. Franke’s unique ability to connect with everyday golfers and his unwavering positivity left an indelible mark, making him a cherished figure both within Barstool and across the wider golf world.
The golf world and the broader sports media landscape are reeling from the unexpected passing of Cody ‘Beef’ Franke, a beloved personality on Barstool Sports’ Fore Play podcast. Franke, who was just 31 years old, died over the weekend of October 25, 2025, following a “sudden medical issue.” The news, announced on Monday, October 27, has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from colleagues, fans, and prominent figures in golf.
From PGA Pro to Social Media Star: Beef’s Journey
Born and raised in Chicago, Cody Franke dedicated much of his early career to the game he loved. He became a PGA of America golf professional, honing his skills and sharing his knowledge at various clubs in California and Wisconsin. He was notably a former head pro at Thornberry Creek Country Club in Wisconsin. His expertise was matched only by his passion for teaching and improving others’ enjoyment of the game.
Franke’s unique approach to golf instruction, often delivered through approachable swing tip videos on social media, began to catch the eye of a broader audience. It was these engaging videos that ultimately captured the attention of Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy.
Recalling the moment he received an email from Portnoy, Franke admitted he “originally thought it was a fake email,” according to an interview with PGA.com. However, the opportunity was real, and in January 2025, Franke officially joined the Fore Play podcast, bringing his talents to Barstool Sports.
His transition to full-time content creation was a significant one, as he shared with PGA.com that “Being a PGA Member, you can’t really do something like this part time and work at a golf course. There’s just too much time being consumed. So, I made the decision to go full time.”
The Impact of the ‘Common Golfer’s’ Champion
At Barstool, Cody Franke quickly became a fan favorite. His aim was simple: to make golf more enjoyable and accessible for the “common golfer.” He achieved this through his helpful tips, infectious positivity, and genuine demeanor. Franke’s philosophy resonated deeply, leading to a dramatic increase in his social media following, which skyrocketed from 1,200 to over 30,000 followers after joining Fore Play.
Beyond his on-screen presence, Franke was known for his warmth and approachability. He was often seen “doffing his cap” at meet-and-greets and other public appearances, a small gesture that exemplified his polite and respectful nature. His colleagues consistently described him as “the nicest guy in the world,” a sentiment echoed by countless fans who interacted with him.
For Franke, golf was more than just a sport; it was a sanctuary. He articulated this sentiment, stating, “Golf has always been home for me… it’s something I can go do. If you go to the golf course, it doesn’t really feel like work – I’m just at a place I’m really happy to be around. I’m home.” This deep personal connection to the game fueled his desire to share its joy with others.
A Flood of Tributes from the Golf and Sports Community
News of Franke’s passing sent shockwaves through the sports community, leading to a wave of heartfelt tributes. His death, which occurred while he was attending a wedding in the Dominican Republic, was confirmed by Barstool Sports personality Dan ‘Big Cat’ Katz, adding a somber note to the details of his final days.
Barstool Sports released a poignant statement from the Fore Play podcast:
- “We are beyond devastated to announce that our dear friend and beloved Barstool Sports colleague, Cody ‘Beef’ Franke, passed away from a sudden medical issue over the weekend.”
- “Cody truly loved the game of golf. He selflessly spent much of his life helping others improve and enjoy the game. Watching golf bring people happiness brought him happiness, and that infectious personality was felt by everyone who met him. He was universally known as the nicest guy in the world.”
- “From his time as a PGA professional to his time at Barstool Sports, Cody made so many people laugh, he made so many people smile, and he simply made so many people better.”
- The statement concluded: “Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Cody’s entire family and loved ones. We’ll be removing our hats for Cody today and everyday. Rest in peace to the classiest man we knew.”
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy shared his grief on X, writing: “Barstool lost a member of our family this weekend. Just tragic news. You will never find a nicer more genuine person than Beef. It’s hard to even process it right now. Just another cruel reminder that tomorrow is never promised and to live each day to its fullest. #ripbeef.” Portnoy’s message underscored the profound impact Franke had on the company and its employees.
Other notable figures also paid their respects:
- Dan ‘Big Cat’ Katz: Described the loss as “absolutely devastating” and stated Franke “will be remembered as one of the greatest people to ever be around.”
- Grant Horvat (golf influencer): Commented, “Life is wild, this hits. Beef was so nice to everyone he met. God bless him and his family.”
- David Woods (PGA Tour coach): Shared, “I’ve known Cody for many many years during his time in the desert always such a great guy. Very sad to hear this.”
- The PGA of America also released a statement, calling the news “heartbreaking” and remembering Franke as “a beloved PGA of America golf professional with a beautiful love for golf.”
A Lasting Legacy of Joy and Accessibility in Golf
Cody ‘Beef’ Franke’s short but impactful career was marked by his unwavering commitment to making golf accessible and enjoyable for everyone. He wasn’t just a golf instructor or a media personality; he was a friend to countless fans, a mentor through his tips, and an embodiment of sportsmanship and kindness.
His legacy will undoubtedly live on through the many golfers he inspired and the indelible mark he left on Barstool Sports and the wider golf community. The outpouring of tributes highlights a man who genuinely made people laugh, smile, and feel better about their game and themselves. As his colleagues fittingly stated, we’ll be removing our hats for Beef today and every day, remembering the classiest man we knew.
