Barstool Sports golf personality Cody “Beef” Franke has died unexpectedly after what colleagues described as a “sudden medical issue.” He was 31.
Franke’s death was announced Monday by Fore Play, Barstool’s popular golf podcast, which confirmed the Wisconsin native passed away over the weekend. The show posted on social media, “We are beyond devastated to announce that our dear friend and colleague, Cody ‘Beef’ Franke, passed away from a sudden medical issue.”
“Cody truly loved the game of golf,” the statement continued. He selflessly spent much of his life helping others improve and enjoy the game. Watching golf bring people happiness brought him happiness. That infectious personality was felt by everyone who met him. He was universally known as the nicest guy in the world.”
Franke joined Barstool’s Fore Play in early 2025 after several years as a PGA of America professional at clubs in California and Wisconsin. In March, he told PGA.com that golf “has always been home for me,” adding: “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.”
According to that interview, Franke initially thought Barstool’s recruitment was a prank. He was stunned when founder Dave Portnoy reached out after seeing his viral swing-tip videos.
Portnoy mourned the loss on Monday, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “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. Live each day to its fullest.”
Franke’s colleagues and fellow golfers echoed that sentiment. Grant Horvat, another influencer in the sport, wrote, “Life is wild, this hits. Beef was so nice to everyone he met. God bless him and his family.” PGA Tour coach David Woods added, “I’ve known Cody for many, many years during his time in the desert — always such a great guy. Very sad to hear this.”
Fore Play remembered Franke as someone who lifted others as he mastered his craft. “From his time as a PGA Professional to his recent stint with Barstool, Cody made people laugh, smile, and improve. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. We’ll be removing our hats for Cody today and every day. Rest in peace to the classiest man we knew.”
Franke’s approachable humor and signature “one-club challenge” videos helped redefine digital golf content. He often appeared with Fore Play hosts Sam “Riggs” Bozoian, Frank Borrelli, and Trent Ryan, traveling to top courses and filming instructional and entertaining clips.
Fans have flooded social media with tributes, many sharing clips of Franke’s respectful habit of removing his hat before handshakes—a small gesture symbolic of his character. Fore Play reposted the viral video, noting, “Still one of our favorite moments. Beef was all class.”
No official cause of death has been released. Barstool Sports said it will support Franke’s family and honor him with tributes.
Portnoy’s reflection on life’s fragility resonated within the sports-media community: “Tomorrow is never promised.” For thousands who watched him, Cody “Beef” Franke’s legacy lives on—a reminder that golf is about joy, generosity, and home.
