It takes a lot to say your last goodbyes to a close friend. Dave Portnoy’s Barstool Media and the sports community are reeling from such grief as they mourn the loss of beloved Cody Franke. Popularly known as “Beef” on social media, his love for golf had a sweet spot in his heart. Now, his remembrance holds a sweeter spot in the heart of the golf community.

“We are beyond devastated to announce that our good friend and cherished Barstool Sports colleague, Cody ‘Beef’ Franke, passed away from a sudden medical issue over the weekend,” the podcast ‘Fore Play’ announced on X. From a PGA Professional, spending years working at the clubs in California and Wisconsin, he joined Barstool Media as the new Head Golf Professional for the Fore Play Golf Podcast in 2024. Barstool founder Dave Portnoy penned an emotional note on his passing.

“Barstool lost a member of our family this weekend. Just tragic news. You will never find a nicer, more genuine person than Beef.” Originally from Chicago, Cody was the liveliest man, who would infect others with his smile. His love for golf turned him into an extremely lovable figure in the sport. He taught the fans many amazing golf lessons.

Cody had further shared an interesting nugget when he switched to Barstool. When the team approached him through his social media, they wanted him on board. So after Thanksgiving, Dave Portnoy sent him an offer via email. “I originally thought it was a fake email,” he said per PGA.com. Portnoy continued. “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. Beef was 31 years old at the time of his passing.

The sudden news hit harder as Franke was enjoying an event. According to Dan ‘Big Cat’ Katz (a friend and analyst at Barstool), Cody was attending a wedding in the Dominican Republic when the tragic incident happened. “Beef was the absolute best. So heartbreaking,” he wrote on X. If there was one thing that Cody absolutely cherished more than anything, it was golf. And while he joined Barstool Sports only this year, Franke soon became a fan favorite.

Cody Franke and his love of golf

For Cody, with such passion for golf, work never seemed just another task to complete. “It’s something I can go do,” he said in an interview back in March. His love of the sport consumed him when he was just three years old. He would play with his brother Craig, who is also a PGA Professional. Frank even said, “If you go to the golf course, it doesn’t really feel like work-work — I’m just at a place I’m really happy to be around. I’m home,” he said. “That’s what this has always been for me.” His dedication was visible in his work.

He spent eight years as a member of the Professionals Golfers Association of America, where he was a two-time PGA Section award winner. Franke then became the Head Golf Professional on Barstool’s the Fore Play podcast after accepting Dave Portnoy’s proposal. He would put content on his social media account, growing it from 1,200 to 30,000 followers within a month. His Tip Tuesday videos, Friday Fix Videos, and later the Swings from the Stool earned him a lot of popularity. His Instagram tagline? “Common instructor for the common golfer.”

But little did he know, his love for golf had already earned him a fan following.

At the Paris airport, an individual from Newyork was visiting their girlfriend, who recognized Franke. Another fan moment came in on the streets of London, when he was getting out of the cab. ” I was dumbfounded,” Franke said with a small laugh. “People know who I am.” Even now, more fans continue to pay respects to the Franke.

Our prayers are with him. May he rest in peace.