Like thousands of golf fans around the world, Paige Spiranac is grieving the loss of Cody “Beef” Franke. The Barstool Sports personality and co-host of the popular Fore Play golf podcastdied over the weekend while in the Dominican Republic. The news was confirmed by Barstool founder Dave Portnoy, who described the loss as “hard to even process.”
Franke was only 31. He graduated from Ferris State University with a degree in PGA Golf Management and built his reputation as both a skilled instructor and a natural communicator. Before joining Barstool earlier this year, he taught golf in Wisconsin and California, where students often spoke of his patience and upbeat attitude.
You will never find a nicer, more genuine person than Beef. Just another cruel reminder that tomorrow is never promised
Paige Spiranac pays tribute: “He was such a kind and good person”
Soon after the announcement, Spiranac posted a brief but touching message on X. “Heartbreaking news,” she wrote. “He was such a kind and good person.” The message was shared widely by fans who saw in her words the same compassion Franke was known for.
According to reports from People and The New York Post, Franke suffered a sudden medical emergency while attending a wedding in the Dominican Republic. Colleagues from Barstool Sports and across the golf world flooded social media with tributes, describing him as a man who made everyone feel welcome.
Barstool personalities like PFT Commenter, Rico Bosco and Barstool Trent shared stories of Franke’s generosity, humor and passion for the game. One fan wrote, “Golf is better because of Beef,” a sentiment that summed up the community’s grief.
Franke’s colleagues remembered him as someone who didn’t just talk about golf but lived it fully. His joy for the sport, and for life itself, left a mark that went far beyond the fairway.
For Spiranac and countless fans, his death is a reminder of how quickly life can change and how important it is to appreciate the people who make the game (and the world) a little brighter.
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