The online golf community is mourning the loss of Cody “Beef” Franke, a rising Barstool Sports personality who died suddenly at the age of 31 while attending a wedding in the Dominican Republic. His death, which Barstool stated as the result of a “sudden medical issue,” sparked tributes from the sports and digital creator communities.
A PGA pro who became an internet star
( Image credit : Instagram/pga| Cody “Beef” Franke proved golf could be cool, casual, and completely relatable )
Before joining Barstool’s Fore Play golf team, Franke worked as a licensed PGA teacher, coaching at courses such as Thornberry Creek Country Club in Wisconsin. However, it was his natural humor, energy, and accessibility that made him a fan favourite online.
Through quick tips, course vlogs, and relatable “bad shot” moments, he built an audience that saw golf not as a luxury sport, but as a shared experience. His easygoing style defied the stereotype of the buttoned-up golf pro and appealed to a younger, social media-savvy audience.
The digital shift in the fairway
( Image credit : Instagram/pga| Cody “Beef” Franke turned golf into a global conversation, one laugh at a time )
Franke’s growth mirrored a global trend in golf content, shifting away from rigid training and toward community-driven storytelling. Channels such as Barstool’s Fore Play, Good Good Golf, and independent YouTubers have transformed golf into a digital conversation.
Franke was at the heart of that shift, representing a new type of influencer who valued authenticity over perfection. His clips often highlighted missed putts, laughter and bonding rather than flawless technique, showing that the fun of the game lies in its imperfections
A legacy beyond the greens
( Image credit : Instagram/pga| Cody “Beef” Franke proved that heart and humor are golf’s true essentials )
Though his time in the spotlight was brief, Franke’s influence was undeniable. For many, he defined golf’s approachable future: open, hilarious, and deeply human.
His sudden passing is a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability, but also of how one person’s enthusiasm can make an entire sport feel more welcoming.
Cody “Beef” Franke may be gone too soon, but his legacy will live on every time someone picks up a club and remembers to have fun while doing it.
