Some people leave a mark so deep, they reshape the way you approach each day, your profession, and your future.

For me, that person was Cody Franke.

I first met Cody at Ferris State University’s PGM Center back in 2015. He was dressed to the nines, flashing a signature smile that would become his trademark at Desert Willow. It was hands down the best interview I’ve ever had. Confident, warm, full of kindness. The kind of guy who made you want to be better, just by being in the room.

I couldn’t have been more excited when he accepted our internship.

That one “yes” turned into years of friendship, mentorship, and memories I’ll carry for a lifetime.

After completing his PGA internship, Cody rejoined the Desert Willow team in 2016 and he never looked back. For nearly seven years, he brought relentless energy, integrity, and humor to everything he touched. From the golf shop to the range, through events, lessons, fittings, and guest experiences, Cody led by example. In spring 2023, he accepted a promotion to be the Head Golf Professional at Thornberry Creek, another KemperSports property. Cody was motivated to be closer to his family in the Midwest, and as sad as we were to say goodbye, we were excited to watch him soar.

And then came something even bigger.

When we heard about Cody’s opportunity with Barstool Sports (which, let’s be honest, we had to keep quiet about for a while), we were thrilled. We knew the world was about to meet the Cody we’d all known and loved. And the world did.

I’ve taken time to reflect on my experiences with Cody, as I navigate the emotions of his passing. There were the endless rounds of golf (never enough), the road trips, the apparel appointments that somehow turned into comedy hours, the goodbye parties for coworkers that never really felt like goodbyes, and the long days made lighter by Cody’s joy and his uncanny ability to find laughter in just about anything.

And of course, there was Folds of Honor.

Each year, Cody led the charge for this cause. He believed in it deeply. Supporting the families of our nation’s fallen and disabled service members wasn’t just a checkbox for Cody, it was a calling. Whether we were playing 24 hours of golf straight, completing 100 hole fundraisers, dressing up as Santa on the first tee, or raising awareness through PGA HOPE, Cody showed us how the game we love can serve a greater good.

This year, our Folds of Honor Fundraiser is dedicated to Cody’s memory.

On November 19, we’ll gather on the Mountain View Course, transformed into an 18-hole Par 3 Shootout. It’s going to be fun, as it always is. But it’ll also feel different because we’re playing for something more. We’re playing in honor of a teammate who believed that kindness and purpose were par for the course.

Cody was the kind of guy you proudly introduced to your family, your guests, and your new hires because you knew he’d make a positive impact on them. His smile, his double high fives, his sign-off on every Pro Tip video:

“Have More Birdies. Have More Pars. Have More Fun. Have A Wonderful Day”

Cody Franke

Those weren’t just words. That was Cody.

He earned back-to-back Southern California PGA Section Awards along with several Desert Chapter PGA Awards, and the KemperSports Retailer of the Year award. He lit up the pro shop with his energy. And even now, his legacy lives on, in every swing taken to fund a scholarship, in every laugh we share recalling his jokes, and in every guest who tells us they “still remember that pro with the big grin and even bigger heart.”

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Watch: A Tribute to Cody Franke

This short video captures the energy, heart, and lasting impact Cody brought to Desert Willow Golf Resort. We invite you to watch, remember, and celebrate the legacy of a teammate who gave us all so much.

Cody, I always told you I’d love to work for you someday. So I’ll start now, by treating others with the same joy, respect, and generosity you gave so freely.

We miss you. We honor you. And on November 19, we play for you.

Join us for the Folds of Honor Par 3 Shootout. Bring your swing. Bring your heart. And if you have a favorite Cody story, on or off the course, please share it with us. We’re building a tribute page so the memories keep going, just like you would’ve wanted.

Keep chopping wood, Pro. I miss you.

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Folds of Honor Fundraiser – In Honor of Cody Franke

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
• Time: 1:30 PM Shotgun Start
• Course: Mountain View (18-hole Par 3 format)
• Entry Fee: $150 (Fully tax-deductible)
• Benefiting: Folds of Honor Foundation – providing scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled service members