Cody “Beef” Franke was the Head Golf Professional at Thornberry Creek at Oneida, WI
Sports fans, especially those in the Chicago-area golf community are reeling from the sudden loss of one of its rising stars. Cody “Beef” Franke, a Lake Villa native who had recently joined Barstool Sports’ popular Fore Play Golf Podcast, passed away over the weekend from a sudden medical issue, according to The Spun.
Franke, who had only joined the Barstool team in late December 2024, quickly became a fan favorite for his approachable teaching style and infectious enthusiasm for the game. The announcement came Monday afternoon via the Fore Play Golf Podcast’s social media accounts, sending shockwaves through both the local Illinois golf community and Barstool’s massive national audience.
From Lake Villa to Internet Stardom
The journey that led Franke to national recognition began in the Chicago suburbs, where he grew up in Lake Villa and attended Lakes Community High School. According to PGA.com, he picked up golf at age three alongside his brother Craig, who also became a PGA Professional at Monroe Golf Club in Wisconsin. When high school forced him to choose between golf and football—both played during the same season in Illinois—Franke chose the links, a decision that would shape his entire career…