Barstool Sports Golf Content Creator Cody “Beefe” Franke Dies at 31 After Sudden Medical Emergency, Fans and Friends Pay Tribute
The golf and sports community is mourning the sudden loss of Cody “Beefe” Franke, a beloved Barstool Sports golf personality who passed away unexpectedly at just 31 years old. Known for his humor, authenticity, and love of the game, Franke’s death has left a deep void among fans and friends who followed his journey through Barstool’s Fore Play podcast and social media.
On Monday, October 27, the Fore Play podcast team announced the heartbreaking news, confirming that Franke had died over the weekend following what they described as “a sudden medical issue.” The team’s statement expressed shock and grief, calling Franke a cherished member of their extended family and one of the kindest personalities to ever be part of the Barstool Golf community. “Beefe was one of us,” they shared. “He brought light and laughter to every tee box, every show, and every room he entered. We’re crushed.”
Cody Franke was more than a content creator — he was a genuine golf lover whose down-to-earth personality resonated with audiences. Before joining Barstool, he worked as a PGA professional, dedicating his time to teaching the game and helping others enjoy it as much as he did. His passion for golf was contagious. Whether he was breaking down a swing, laughing through a failed chip shot, or sharing a story from the course, he did it with humor that made viewers feel like they were right there beside him.
Known to fans as “Beefe,” Franke built a following that admired him not just for his golf skills, but for his ability to make people laugh. His nickname became a badge of pride, symbolizing his larger-than-life personality and warm, approachable energy. On Barstool’s platforms, Beefe was a fan favorite — the kind of presence that reminded everyone why they loved golf in the first place: the camaraderie, the fun, and the stories that happen between shots.
Following the news of his passing, tributes poured in across social media from colleagues, fans, and golf enthusiasts around the world. Many shared clips of his funniest moments, recounting how his joy for life seemed to radiate through the screen. One fan wrote, “Beefe made golf feel like hanging out with friends. He never took himself too seriously, and that’s what made him great.” Others echoed the sentiment, describing him as “pure heart,” “a true legend,” and “the friend everyone wishes they had.”
While Barstool Sports has not released additional details about the medical emergency that led to his death, they have asked for privacy for Franke’s family during this difficult time. Behind the public outpouring of grief, those who knew him personally are remembering the man behind the screen — a loyal friend, a loving son and brother, and someone who never hesitated to make others laugh, even on tough days.
In a world often dominated by perfection and polish, Cody “Beefe” Franke stood out for being real. He made mistakes on camera, laughed about them, and showed people that golf, like life, is about enjoying the moments in between. His legacy will live on not just in the Barstool archives, but in the memories of those who found comfort and laughter in his presence.
For fans, Beefe’s sudden passing is a painful reminder of how short life can be — and how much one person’s spirit can mean to so many. The golf world may never see another personality quite like him, but his impact will continue to echo across fairways, greens, and hearts for years to come.
