Continuing the Legacy of Cody “BEEF” Franke
HONORING THE HEART. GROWING THE GAME.
The Cody “BEEF” Franke Foundation was established in November of 2025 to honor Cody’s lifelong commitments to growing the game, while supporting the programs and organizations he was most passionate about.
A legacy that lives on
About the Foundation
Common instruction for the common golfer. Cody “BEEF” Franke was and is a larger-than-life PGA Professional who had reverence for the people, and a passion for growing the game. His personality and affectionate kindness allowed him the opportunity to have a successful career in the industry he loved. Through personal or impersonal interactions, he brought joy to so many people within and even outside the industry.
He believed golf should be accessible to everyone and he spent his life encouraging everyone to “Have a Wonderful Day!”
The Cody “BEEF” Franke Foundation exists to carry on the legacy of Cody by showing old fashioned charisma, generosity, kindness, while supporting the programs and organizations that make an impact on growing the game he loved!
OUR MISSION
Supporting Golfers, Growing the Game
Our mission is to
- Provide education, scholarships, golf equipment, and training lessons to individuals of all ages and skill levels.
- Honor and support golf course maintenance and support staff, the often unseen, yet essential, workers whose dedication ensures a golfer’s experience is unforgettable.
- Support nonprofit organizations whose mission strengthens and grows the game of golf, and the causes Cody personally cared about, including PGA Reach and Folds of Honor.
This is how we continue Cody’s quiet generosity and the values he lived every day.
STORIES
In Cody’s Spirit
Cody was known for encouraging endlessly, teaching joyfully, and giving quietly. He supported the less visible, but highly impactful, people in the golf community—and we’re committed to doing the same. His passion for sharing the game showed up in all kinds of ways, including his Tip Tuesday videos loved by golfers of all ages. His legacy lives on through every swing, every lesson, and every act of kindness sparked by this foundation.
The 2026 Internet Invitational – an epic 54 hour experience
Author: Craig Franke, BrotherLocation: Big Cedar Lodge The movie Planes, Trains, & Automobiles with John Candy and Steve Martin is a story of perseverance to get home for the holidays. It’s a classic comedy highlighting the difficult circumstances that can...
Lakes Sportsmanship Award 2026
Speech given by Tom Hansen October 20, 2026 Hi everyone my name is Tom Hansen, LCHS alumni from 2012. I’m honored to present the Cody beef Franke sportsmanship award this evening. A little context….Cody was also a graduate of lakes from the class of 2012 a...
Cody’s Bulldog Brothers: Fantasy Football, Friendship & Continuing Cody’s Legacy
Author: David Rudary For 13 seasons, our fantasy football league has been about much more than football. What started as the Bulldog Brothers Fantasy Football League, a group of college friends competing against one another, became a tradition that kept us connected...
Cody Warren Franke, PGA
Author: Craig Franke It’s rare that a young man’s dream becomes reality. Cody, you made an impact! Midwest born and raised – Cody and I grew up in the small town of Lake Villa, Illinois just north of Chicago and attended Lakes High School. We were close enough in age...
Junior-Senior Ryder Cup, Katke Golf Course
Author: Mickey Collins Cody's only Hole-In-One was captured alongside his college teammates during the summer of 2016; when the rivals Juniors vs Senior PGM students played in their version of the Ryder Cup. College Roommate Mickey Collins recalled becoming close...
100 Holes, One Santa Suit, and a Great Friend
Author: Brett ShoopmanLocation: Desert Willow Mountain View Golf CourseMy favorite memory of Cody is when he and I were paired up to play 100 Holes of Golf for the Folds of Honor at Desert Willow. During a December day after round three Cody asked me if he could...