DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Barstool Sports has confirmed the sudden death of Cody Franke, aka “Beef”, the popular podcaster and PGA professional. He was 31. Franke died over the weekend following a medical emergency while attending a wedding in the Dominican Republic.
The Fore Play podcast team shared the news on Monday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans, colleagues, and golf creators who praised his warmth, humour, and love for the game.
Cody Franke joined Barstool earlier this year after a respected run as a PGA of America Golf Professional. He quickly became a central voice in the company’s golf coverage. His calm delivery, easy laugh, and hands-on advice for everyday players won him a loyal following.
From head pro roles at high-end clubs in California and Wisconsin to his move into online media, Beef stood for a more open, welcoming version of golf. On Fore Play, he mixed tour-level know-how with relatable stories, helping casual golfers find simple ways to improve.
The announcement hit hard across the sport. In a sombre Instagram post, the Fore Play hosts said Franke suffered a medical emergency while abroad and that no further details would be shared at this time, out of respect for his family. The statement described him as a generous teacher who loved seeing others enjoy the game and as someone widely regarded as the nicest person in any room.
From Club Pro to Fore Play Favourite
Codie Franke’s path to Barstool was built on teaching and community. Raised in Chicago, he sharpened his game on public tracks before earning PGA status. In his mid-20s, he served as head professional at courses including Thornberry Creek and Lawsonia in Wisconsin, where his clinics filled quickly and his junior sessions became known for clear, practical coaching. Former colleagues often said he had a knack for turning complex swing thoughts into simple steps that anyone could follow.
That reputation reached Barstool founder Dave Portnoy, who contacted Franke in late 2024 about joining Fore Play. Franke jumped in, swapping long days on the tee sheet for microphones and cameras. His early segments took off, with features like Beef’s weekend swing fixes gaining major views. By spring 2025, he was a regular at Barstool golf events, chatting with tour players while keeping the focus on the average golfer. In January, he summed up his mission in plain terms, saying he wanted to make content that grows the game and helps people shoot better scores.
His final social post, shared days before travelling, read, “Know when to attack and when to put on the brakes.” Fans have since revisited videos of his big laugh and steady presence, holding close the memories of a life cut short.
Tributes Flood In for Cody Franke
Messages of love and grief poured in across social media. Dave Portnoy called him family and wrote that you would struggle to find a more genuine person. He urged people to live fully, since nothing is promised.
Fore Play co-host Dan “Big Cat” Katz spoke about the Dominican Republic trip on The Yak, recalling Franke as the friend who danced, cracked jokes, and stayed late to help anyone with a short-game tweak. Katz said Beef made people better at golf and better at life.
Golf creators and coaches added their voices. YouTube star Grant Horvat wrote that the news hit hard, praising Franke’s kindness to everyone he met. Veteran PGA coach David Woods, who knew Franke from his time at desert clubs in California, called him a great guy and said he was deeply saddened. Barstool contributor and NFL analyst Nick Mangold posted a simple message: “RIP Beef. A true gentleman of the game.”
Barstool’s golf team issued its own tribute, saying Franke brought smiles, laughter, and improvement to countless people, from his PGA days to his time at Barstool. They said they would remove their hats for him today and every day, and called him the classiest man they knew.
Fans turned X into a memorial, with hashtags like #RIPBeef and #ForePlayForever trending across the country. Many shared their favourite clips and promised to honour him by getting out for a round. One Chicago golfer wrote that Beef taught him to swing with confidence and to cherish time with loved ones.
A Legacy That Lifts Others
Codie Franke’s influence reaches far beyond lessons and laughs. PGA features from March 2025 praised him as a bridge between the sport and new players at a time when golf participation was booming after the pandemic.
His arrival at Barstool helped amplify that message, with Fore Play downloads rising by about 40 percent, according to internal figures. In a follow-up X Space, Portnoy said Franke reminded people why they fell in love with golf, citing the community, the grind, and the small wins that keep players coming back.
Funeral details have not been shared. Barstool plans a major tribute event, likely in Chicago, to celebrate his life and work. Donations to junior golf programmes in his name have already begun through a GoFundMe set up by the Fore Play team.
Cody Franke’s story is not about trophies. It is about people, laughter, and opening doors. He was 31. He leaves a gap that cannot be filled, and a clear example to follow. Play hard, enjoy the moment, lift others. As his final post advised, attack when it counts, and know when to slow down. Rest in peace, Beef. The 19th hole is waiting.
