When Cody "Beef" Franke collapsed at a wedding in the Dominican Republic on October 25, 2025, no one suspected it would be the end. The 31-year-old golf coach, known for his easygoing swing tips and genuine smile, was just another face in the crowd — until the news broke three days later. Barstool Sports confirmed his death on October 27, citing a "sudden medical issue." No autopsy results, no public cause — just silence from his family and a wave of grief from fans who saw him as more than a coach. He wasn’t a superstar. He was the guy who remembered your name after a round, who laughed at your shank, and made you feel like you could actually play this crazy game.
A Coach Who Made Golf Feel Like Family
Before Cody "Beef" Franke became a fixture on Barstool Sports’s Fore Play podcast, he spent nearly ten years as the head golf professional at Thornberry Creek Club in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. That’s not a flashy resort. It’s a community course where retirees and weekend warriors show up with mismatched socks and too many balls. And Franke? He was their guy. No ego. No fancy titles. Just patience, humor, and an uncanny ability to simplify the game. His Instagram, with nearly 50,000 followers, wasn’t full of pro swings or luxury gear. It was clips of him helping a kid hit a chip shot for the first time, or laughing as a group of guys lost their balls in the rough. "He made golf feel like a backyard barbecue," one fan wrote on X. "Not a country club ritual."Rise on Barstool: From Local Pro to National Figure
His move to Barstool Sports in early 2025 felt like a natural step. The platform thrives on authenticity, and Franke was the real deal. He didn’t sell clubs. He didn’t hype himself. He just showed up — with a bucket of balls, a smile, and a willingness to answer the same question ten times in a row. On Fore Play, he teamed up with personalities like Dan "Big Cat" Katz, whose emotional reaction on October 27 said it all: "Really, really, really sad. Really tragic. It’s devastating. I don’t know what else to say." Even Dave Portnoy, the often-brash founder of Barstool Sports, went quiet and heartfelt on X: "You will never find a nicer, more genuine person than Beef. It’s hard to even process it right now."The $1 Million Question: Net Worth and Earnings
Public records don’t list his net worth. Neither Barstool nor his family has confirmed any figures. But sites like BlingingBeach.com estimate he was worth around $1 million as of October 2025 — a sum likely built from his PGA salary, Barstool appearances, brand deals, and golf clinic fees. He wasn’t chasing fame. He was chasing connection. His income streams were modest by celebrity standards: a head pro salary at Thornberry Creek (likely $60,000–$80,000 annually), occasional sponsorships from local gear brands, and pay-per-view appearances on Barstool’s golf content. He drove a pickup. Lived in a modest home near the course. Didn’t post about vacations. That’s what made his death hit harder. He wasn’t a millionaire influencer. He was a guy who lived like he taught — simply, sincerely.
A Community in Mourning
The golf world doesn’t usually stop for one coach. But this time, it did. From Wisconsin to Florida, from Reddit threads to PGA forums, people shared stories. One man recalled Franke teaching him to grip the club after his divorce. Another said Franke let him play a full round for free when he couldn’t afford it. The the World Golf Championships in Orlando posted a silent tribute video. The PGA of America issued a brief statement: "Cody embodied the spirit of our mission — making golf welcoming for everyone." Even the Dominican Republic, where he died, saw local golfers lay flowers at the course near the resort where the wedding was held. No official funeral details have been released as of October 28, 2025. But Barstool Sports promised more updates "soon," according to Katz on The Yak. For now, the only memorial is the echo of his voice on old podcast clips — "Hey, don’t over-swing. Just let the club do the work."What’s Next for Barstool and Golf Culture?
Franke’s death leaves a void. Barstool’s golf content, once anchored by his warmth, now feels uncertain. Who replaces the guy who made 50,000 people feel like they belonged? His absence raises a quiet question: In a sports media landscape obsessed with outrage and spectacle, how many quiet heroes are we losing without notice? Franke didn’t need a spotlight. He just needed a tee box and a group of amateurs willing to listen.Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cause of Cody 'Beef' Franke's death?
Barstool Sports confirmed Franke died from a "sudden medical issue" on October 25, 2025, in the Dominican Republic, but no official cause — such as heart attack, stroke, or other condition — has been released by family or authorities as of October 28, 2025. Autopsy results, if any, remain private.
How did Cody Franke make golf accessible to everyday players?
Franke avoided technical jargon and focused on simple, relatable advice: "Let the club do the work," "don’t overthink the swing," and "it’s okay to miss." His Instagram videos showed real people — not pros — learning on public courses. At Thornberry Creek Club, he offered free clinics and remembered every regular’s name. He made golf feel less intimidating and more like a social activity.
Was Cody Franke officially affiliated with the PGA?
Yes. Franke was a certified PGA of America Golf Professional, a credential requiring years of training, testing, and apprenticeship. He held this status during his nearly decade-long tenure at Thornberry Creek Club and continued to maintain it while working with Barstool Sports. His title wasn’t just branding — it was earned.
Did Cody Franke have a family, and will there be a memorial?
No public details about Franke’s marital status or immediate family have been released. Barstool Sports indicated on October 27 that more information about funeral arrangements or memorial services would be shared soon, but as of October 28, no official announcements have been made. Fans are organizing unofficial tributes online, including a #RipBeef hashtag with over 150,000 posts.
What impact might Franke’s death have on Barstool Sports’ golf content?
Franke was the emotional core of Barstool’s golf division. His authenticity set it apart from flashy, sponsored content. Without him, the brand faces a dilemma: replicate his style or pivot to something more performative. Colleagues like Dan Katz have hinted at continuing his legacy, but no replacement has been named. Many fans fear the tone will shift — and the community may not return.
How did fans react to his death across social media?
Fan reactions were overwhelmingly emotional and personal. On Instagram, hundreds posted photos of themselves with Franke at courses, often captioned: "He made me love golf." On X, the hashtag #RipBeef trended nationally, with PGA members and amateur golfers alike sharing stories of his kindness. One post from a Wisconsin resident read: "He taught me to swing at 55. I shot a 92 last week. He’d be proud."
