The golfing world is mourning the loss of popular media personality Cody “Beef” Franke, who died aged 31.
Franke, who spent almost a decade as a PGA of America golf professional, working at clubs in the US, shot to fame last year when he was hired to be the host of Barstool Sports’ Fore Play podcast after his golf swing videos had developed a large following online.
He was known for his videos sharing golf swing tips and was a hit with golf fans for his humble nature and easy to understand pointers on the game.
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Franke died as a result of a “sudden medical issue,” while attending a wedding in the Dominican Republic. The cause of death is not yet known.
“Really, really, really sad. Really tragic,” colleague Dan “Big Cat” Katz said. “It’s devastating. I don’t know what else to say.”
Barstool founder Dave Portnoy also posted a tribute, calling the news “tragic.”
Cody “Beef” Franke. Instagram
“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,” Portnoy wrote.
Franke joined Barstool, the digital media company, earlier this year after a career as a professional golfer, and was a member of the Professionals Golfers Association of America, where he was a two-time PGA Section award winner.
Franke became the head golf professional on the Fore Play podcast, which shared a statement after announcing the news of his death.
“Cody truly loved the game of golf. He selflessly spent much of his life helping others improve and enjoy the game,” a statement read in part.
“Watching golf bring people happiness brought him happiness, and that infectious personality was felt by everyone who met him. He was universally known as the nicest guy in the world.
“Rest in peace to the classiest man we knew.”
The PGA Tour wrote on X: “Beef was an incredible member of the golf community. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Franke said he briefly considered trying to juggle being a golf pro while working for the digital media company.
“Being a PGA Member, you can’t really do something like this part time and work at a golf course,” he told the PGA earlier this year.
“There’s just too much time being consumed. So, I made the decision to go full time.”
After making the leap, his social media following went from 1200 to over 30,000 followers.
He said his goal was to make golf more fun and easier for the “common golfer.”