Desert Willow Golf Resort

Two Award-Winning Courses. One Iconic Desert Destination

The Cody Franke Tribute Collection

A Celebration of Life, Laughter, and Legacy

Cody Franke (1994 – 2025)

This page is dedicated to the stories that continue to echo across our fairways, and in our hearts.

Here, you’ll find memories, photos, and reflections shared by those who knew and loved Cody Franke. From longtime teammates to first-time guests, from fellow PGA Professionals to friends across the country, every tribute below reflects the same truth: Cody made people feel seen, valued, and better for having known him.

For nearly seven years at Desert Willow Golf Resort, and in every role beyond, Cody led with joy, humility, and heart. He was a mentor, a motivator, a fierce hugger, and a true gentleman. Whether he was raising money for Folds of Honor, lighting up a pro shop, or cracking a joke mid-round, Cody made the game of golf more human. More personal. More fun.

Real Stories. Lasting Impact.

Scroll through the submissions below to read how Cody touched the lives of teammates, guests, friends, and family.
Every message, big or small, helps keep his spirit alive in the place he helped shape so deeply.

“A Gentleman in Every Sense of the Word”

“I work with the production team that puts together a lot of events for Barstool Sports. Notably, The Barstool Classic. I get to create all the signage you see on the course! This past year on our first stop, I was so excited to meet Cody as it was his first Classic with the team. I knew he took off his hat for everyone he met, but I did not know how personable he truly was. I have become the biggest Beef supporter and am very thankful to have known him. We have kept up through social media, but I got the pleasure of seeing him again at the end of September for the NC and final stop of Classic. I ran up to him with open arms asking if he remembered me, to which he responded “of course I do Grayson!” He supported me just being a background person. We talked about how cool the signage has been for Classic, Writer Cup, and Internet Invitational. Our conversation there ended with him telling me I am a part of the family and to go to Longhorn with the gang. The next day I also saw him before he left and he was sad that they don’t send me out to Scottsdale for the championship, but we agreed to see each other next march for the start of the 26′ season of Barstool Classic. This news has been gut wrenching. What a light he was. He made me feel so special and welcomed. Thank you, Cody, for everything. You are a huge light that this world has lost, but I have a lot of comfort in knowing you are in Heaven and that there is a reason behind this, as there is for everything.”

– Grayson Gerber

“Cody Made Every Day Brighter, and Every Putt Better”

“Cody was always a bright spot in the day! That friendly smile and a welcome greeting that made you feel like a country club member was priceless.

Cody did not over complicate his approach to the game. During a putting lesson with Cody, I commented that most of my misses were coming up short. His recommendation was to move my target point to 6-12 inches beyond the hole. Simple, but very effective! Thanks Cody…RIP 🙏”

– Mike Taylor

“Cody Made Every Guest Feel Seen and Valued”

“The news of Cody’s untimely and very sad death came as a great shock to both of us. Cody was such a special person, always totally willing to go out of his way to help anyone whether at Desert Willow or elsewhere. Just one small example of Cody’s unwavering kindness, I purchased a golf shirt and really wanted to buy another in a different color. Cody immediately volunteered to order it, shepherded the order, and got it to Bob in Fresno. How many; if any, busy golf professionals would have done that? We truly miss his smiley face at Desert Willow and the happiness and joy he always exuded. What a huge loss both to Desert Willow and the world.”

– Bob and Betsy Sullivan

“Cody Always Found a Way to Help”

“A few years back when in Palm Desert, we didn’t have a proper phone plan and no land line where we were staying. I couldn’t phone DW to check on frost delays, Cody gave me his personal cell no. so I could text him. Even on his days off, Cody would get back to me right away. He didn’t have to share his no., just one of the ways he went the extra mile.”

– Chrystal Roberts

“Exactly Who He Said He’d Be”

“I was Cody´s golf coach for 4 years in high school. He was exactly what you spoke about in high school, and I would accept nothing less. I have many stories, and the best one would be when he destroyed a bus door by trying to force it shut, and his teammates cheered him on.”

– Bill Hamill

“A Gentleman in Every Sense of the Word”

“My wife and I have very fond memories of Cody and are deeply shocked and saddened by his passing.

We enjoyed seeing him the clubhouse, he would stop whatever he was doing to chat with us and make us feel welcome. No matter how many times I asked Cody to call me by first name he insisted using the formal “Hello Mr. Flom, nice to see you and Mrs. Flom” such a gentleman. My wife very much enjoyed his sense of style and taste in golf clothes for women and looked forward to each new season knowing something (or more) would catch her eye.

One evening we were leaving The River after an early movie. Returning to our car we heard someone calling Mr Flom! It was Cody! We stopped to chat, despite the 35 year age difference he invited us to join him for a beverage with him and his friends. We politely declined.

Cody was thoughtful and kind. We lost a good man much too soon. He will be missed.”

– Corey & Terri Flom

“His Words Still Shape My Swing and My Day”

“I met Cody at Desert Willow. He was referred to my from a friend. I was so happy to have found such a great golf teacher. I remember his lessons and his cue words to help me with my swing to this day. He used a “clock” analogy amoung other swing tips that truly helped me. I will so greatly miss his warm spirit and the genuine heart he made those around him feel.

His kindness and spirit touched many and his impact will live on in many hearts and swings forever. You will be greatly missed but fondly remembered.”

– Karen Archuleta

“A Smile That Lit Up Every Room”

“Cody was truly a world class individual. His smile was infectious and he could light a room like no other. If the heaven I believe in truly exists, the gates are open for him.”

– Dennis Klifman

“Lessons, Laughs, and Big Hugs”

“I have been looking at old lesson emails between Cody and I, and remembering the laughs and the BIG hugs we would share….. Our hearts and prayers are with Cody’s family and friends.”

– Lana and Warren Bohnet

“A Privilege to Work Beside Him, A Joy to Know Him”

“For 2 years my wife and I had the privilege and truly fun time of working with Cody while he was with Desert Willow PGA HOPE.  Everyone that met him I’m sure shares our loss. Prayers to Cody’s family, friends, and your staff. God’s gentle giant on this earth is shooting 59 today in heaven…”

– Jim Stacer  

“A Great Man, Deeply Missed”

“I wanted to give my condolences to Cody’s family, friends, and the Desert Willow staff. He’s a great man. He always brought a smile to my face on the DW grounds. He will be missed tremendously.”

– Robert Brock

“Always There with a Tip and a Smile”

“Cody helped me with my swing and was always there with encouragement!”

– Barry Gaines

“A True Pro On and Off the Course”

“He was a great teacher and also a good merchandiser in the pro shop.”

– Bob & Nina Marks

Have a memory you’d like to add?

Submit Your Tribute

Snapshots of Cody

Below, you’ll also find a photo gallery filled with moments that capture Cody’s joy, from Santa-suited tee shots to quiet leadership behind the scenes. These images help us remember not just what he did, but who he was.

A Legacy in Action

This year’s Folds of Honor Par 3 Shootout is held in Cody’s honor, a cause he championed with heart and humor year after year.

Learn more about the November 19 fundraiser »

Keep Chopping Wood, Pro

“Have More Birdies. Have More Pars. Have More Fun. Have A Wonderful Day.” – Cody Franke
It wasn’t just a sign-.off, it was a way of life.

Thank you for helping us keep Cody’s legacy alive, one memory at a time.

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