Prominent golf personality dead at 31, remembered as 'class act'

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Cody “Beef” Franke, a Barstool Sports golf personality, died at the age of 31.
Franke, a former PGA Tour professional, passed away from a “sudden medical issue” while in the Dominican Republic.

Cody “Beef” Franke, a popular Barstool Sports golf personality, died over the weekend from a “sudden medical issue,” the Fore Play Podcast announced on Oct. 27.

Franke, who spent time as a PGA Tour professional, was 31.

Barstool Sports’ Dan Katz revealed that Franke died while in the Dominican Republic.

Social media mourned Franke, with many of his Barstool Sports colleagues sharing memories of Franke.

The PGA and others in the golf world also paid tribute to Franke.

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. pic.twitter.com/KPua67hCJW

— Fore Play (@ForePlayPod) October 27, 2025

Cody ‘Beef’ Franke remembered as ‘sweetest dude ever’:

Beef was honestly the sweetest dude ever. Loved being around him. Dont know what else even to say. He will be missed by so many, and it makes me sad that more people won’t get a chance to know him and love him. RIP buddy https://t.co/G2tRCNCVWh

— PFT Commenter (@PFTCommenter) October 27, 2025

Thinking of Cody’s family today. One of the nicest guys you can come across. He made our brand so much better and we’re going to miss him dearly. https://t.co/6ko52Hq43g

— Riggs (@RiggsBarstool) October 27, 2025

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 https://t.co/k88o2tnzJB

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) October 27, 2025

Beef made everyone else’s life better. The nicest man I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting. Impossible to process this heartbreaking news. https://t.co/o9JnHPKdNu

— Frankie Borrelli (@FrankieBorrelli) October 27, 2025

Beef truly was the nicest guy and I loved hanging out with him.

We bunked at Camp, went to the College World Series, hit Vegas, and I will never forget when he took all the boys to Gibsons to celebrate.

He was always smiling — always the kindest, most generous person. #RIP🥩 pic.twitter.com/WTlWwRvZF8

— Ohio’s Tate (@BarstoolTate) October 27, 2025

I loved Beef. He snuck up on you. His charm and humility and unwavering class were fitting of like some gentleman from the 1800s. Being around him made me see the golf course or the dinner table we were at from a place of gratitude, a “can you believe how lucky we are”…

— Francis (@franciscellis) October 27, 2025

This is heartbreaking news. Cody was a beloved PGA of America Golf Professional with a beautiful love for golf — and for sharing it with everyone he crossed paths with in this game.

We’re sending love & thinking of his family, friends and the Fore Play crew. https://t.co/DTVbW904kH

— PGA of America (@PGA) October 27, 2025

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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