Barstool Sports calls for support of Ferris State University scholarship honoring alum Cody ‘Beef’ Franke, saluting his kindness, passion

November 14, 2025

The late Cody “Beef” Franke made a great impact on the golf community. The endowed
scholarship established in his honor will support Ferris State students who share
Franke’s deep love for the game and his dedication to helping others—on and off the
course. Photo credit: PGA of America

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — 

Barstool Sports is calling on followers to support a newly established Ferris State University scholarship
honoring the late golf influencer and alumnus Cody “Beef” Franke, celebrating Franke’s
legendary kindness, generosity, and passion for the game while supporting future generations
of students.

“Our friend ‘Beef’ loved his time at Ferris State PGA Golf Management program,” the
site posted on its Fore Play podcast account on X this morning. “In his memory, we
have worked with the university and Cody’s family to create a scholarship fund that
will honor his kindness and love for the game and will support in perpetuity students
at Ferris State University, sculpting young leaders to carry themselves both professionally
and personally as ‘Beef’ did. With all class.”

Donations to the Cody “Beef” Franke Endowed Scholarship can be made online.

Franke, who passed away last month, graduated from Ferris State in December 2017 with
a degree from the university’s PGA Golf Management program. After earning his PGA certification, he worked as a golf professional, giving lessons
at courses in Wisconsin and California.

Known for his warm personality and infectious enthusiasm, Franke built a devoted following
online through his “Tip Tuesday” tutorials, which offered practical advice to help
golfers of all skill levels improve their game.
An Illinois native, Franke joined Barstool Sports earlier this year as a co-host of
the popular golf podcast “Fore Play.” His colleagues and fans alike celebrated his kindness and humility.

In a heartfelt social media tribute, his co-hosts shared how much Franke meant to
them and the golf community.
“Cody loved the game of golf. He selflessly spent much of his life helping others
improve and enjoy the game,” the post read.

“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. From his time as a PGA professional to his time at Barstool Sports, Cody made
so many people laugh, he made so many people smile, and he simply made so many people
better. We’ll be removing our hats for Cody today and every day.”

Cody “Beef” Franke at St. Andrew’s

During his time at Ferris State, Franke participated in a study abroad experience
at the historic St. Andrews Golf Course in Scotland, known as the “home of golf” for
its six centuries of continuous play.

As a PGA professional and mentor, Franke led with kindness, generosity, and humility.
He completed internships in Illinois, Wyoming, and California before becoming head
golf professional at Thornberry Creek at Oneida in Wisconsin, the official golf course of the NFL’s Green Bay Packers.

The endowed scholarship established in his honor will support Ferris State students
who share Franke’s deep love for the game and his dedication to helping others—on
and off the course.

Ferris State’s PGA Golf Management program, part of the College of Business, was the
first of its kind sanctioned by the PGA and remains one of only 18 such programs nationwide.
The Bachelor of Science curriculum blends business fundamentals with golf industry
expertise, preparing students for leadership roles in golf operations and management.
Students gain hands-on experience through five semesters of internships and complete
requirements for PGA of America Class A membership.