It’s with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Cody “Beef” Franke. At just 31 years old, the golf-coach-turned-content-creator known for his warm personality and real-world teaching style died this past weekend after what’s been described as a “sudden medical issue.”His death has sent ripples through the world of golf content and the community around Barstool Sports, where he had recently joined and become a beloved face.What Happened to Cody “Beef” FrankeCody Franke first made his mark as a PGA professional, spending years at facilities in California and Wisconsin, including a stint at Thornberry Creek at Oneida.In early 2025 he joined Barstool Sports’ golf-division, the podcast Fore Play, under the nickname “Beef”.He quickly became known for short, engaging teaching videos, one-club challenges and a genuine approach to helping everyday golfers improve.The post that perhaps captured the internet’s attention was a clip of him insisting on removing his hat before shaking hands a small gesture, but one that spoke volumes about his respectfulness and character. That video went viral on the Fore Play social-feeds and was reshared widely after his death.According to Barstool, Franke passed away while attending a wedding in the Dominican Republic. The official statement and tributes noted the cause as a “sudden medical issue,” though no further details have been disclosed.The reaction was immediate: his Barstool colleagues, including founder Dave Portnoy and co-hosts from the Fore Play team, expressed shock and grief, emphasising not just his skill but his warmth and humanity.In many ways his rise at Barstool was meteoric: from club instructor to digital favourite, his relatable style and kindness earned him a loyal following in a matter of months. The golf world and wider social-media community will remember him not only for his teaching, but for the genuine person behind the content.Franke’s passing is a stark reminder that life can change in an instant. For those who followed his journey the teaching tips, the humour, the small-moments of connection his absence will be deeply felt. As his colleagues put it: we’ll be removing our hats for Cody today and every day.While his time with us was too short, his impact on students, followers and peers endures. Rest in peace to a class act: Cody “Beef” Franke.