The golf community and the greater Brentwood, Tennessee, area are grieving the loss of Kayla Branaman Hale, who passed away at the age of 38 after a courageous battle with cancer. Kayla, the beloved wife of Cody Hale, a longtime representative for Odyssey TOUR, and the mother of two young sons, Bowden and Bennett, had been a steadfast presence in the lives of those who knew her. Her passing has left an irreplaceable void for her family, friends, and the many lives she touched during her life of grace, compassion, and selflessness.

A Quiet Hero: Kayla’s Legacy of Love and Support

Kayla’s life was defined by her immense love for her family and her unwavering support for those she cared about. Known for her quiet heroism, she was the glue that held her family together, always prioritizing the well-being of her loved ones above her own. Those who knew Kayla described her as compassionate, strong, and deeply caring. She lived a life of purpose, offering her support with humility and grace, often working behind the scenes to ensure that those around her were cared for and loved.

As the wife of Cody Hale, a former professional golfer turned master putter fitter for Odyssey, Kayla was a constant presence in his life, offering the emotional support and stability that allowed him to excel in his career. Cody’s work with top professional golfers, including Rickie Fowler, is well-known, with Fowler crediting him for his role in the golfer’s return to form in 2023. However, what is perhaps less well-known is the integral role Kayla played in supporting Cody behind the scenes, providing him with the love and strength he needed to perform his job with precision and care.

The Heart of a Family: A Mother and Wife

Kayla’s devotion to her family was at the core of her existence. As a loving mother to her two young sons, Bowden and Bennett, ages four and two, Kayla’s greatest joy was watching her children grow and flourish. She worked tirelessly to provide them with a nurturing, loving environment, filled with laughter, warmth, and stability. Despite her own health challenges, Kayla’s focus remained on her family, always ensuring that her children felt loved and supported.

Cody and Kayla’s bond was a testament to their shared commitment to each other. They built their life together with love, respect, and mutual support, weathering both the highs and lows of life. Their relationship was a model of partnership, with Cody often remarking on how Kayla was the bedrock that supported both him and their family.

A Community in Mourning: Kayla’s Impact Beyond the Family

Kayla’s passing has left a deep sadness in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her friends, family, and colleagues all describe her as someone whose presence lit up a room. She had a special way of making everyone feel comfortable, valued, and loved. Whether it was through her contagious laughter, her unwavering loyalty, or her sincere interest in the well-being of others, Kayla’s spirit left an indelible mark on those around her.

Her sister, Jenna, shared a poignant tribute, speaking of the irreplaceable loss her family feels. “Kayla was a bright light in our lives. Her warmth, kindness, and joy were unparalleled, and we will forever carry her memory with us. The world feels a little less bright without her here,” she said.

The outpouring of support from the golf community further illustrates the profound impact Kayla had on others. At the 3M Open, several golfers, including Rickie Fowler, wore black ribbons in honor of Kayla. Fowler, who had worked closely with Cody and Kayla over the years, also shared the family’s GoFundMe page, offering not only financial assistance but also a powerful show of solidarity and love for the Hale family. As Fowler stated, “It’s a family out here on TOUR… now it’s time for us to be there for Cody.”

A Legacy of Service and Strength

Kayla’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved her and in the values she instilled in her children. Her legacy is one of service—always putting others before herself—and of strength—both in her personal life and in her battle with cancer. Kayla’s family and friends take solace in knowing that she made the world a better place simply by being herself. She lived with integrity, kindness, and a sense of purpose that inspired others to do the same.

Though her life was tragically cut short, Kayla’s impact will continue to reverberate through the people she loved and the communities she touched. Cody, Bowden, and Bennett will forever carry her memory in their hearts, and those who knew Kayla will continue to honor her spirit by living their lives with the same love, joy, and commitment that she exemplified.

GoFundMe and Community Support

In the wake of Kayla’s passing, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help support Cody, Bowden, Bennett, and their unborn child. The campaign, titled “Keith’s Legacy: Father, Husband, Fighter, & Friend,” aims to ease the financial burdens that the family now faces as they navigate the difficult road ahead without Kayla. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, with donations pouring in from friends, family, and strangers alike who are eager to assist in whatever way they can.

The funds raised through the GoFundMe campaign will help cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and other financial challenges that the Hale family is facing. As Cody continues to grieve the loss of his wife, the support from the community has been a beacon of light during a profoundly dark time.

A Memorial Service to Celebrate Kayla’s Life

Kayla’s family has announced that a memorial service will be held on July 26, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Cannon United Methodist Church in McDonough, Georgia. The service will provide an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the life of a woman who meant so much to so many.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the GoFundMe campaign or to a local fitness scholarship in Kayla’s name. This reflects her passion for health, wellness, and community.

Honoring Kayla’s Memory

As the community continues to mourn Kayla’s passing, they are also finding ways to honor her memory. A community fitness event is being planned in her honor, which will celebrate her commitment to health and wellness. The event will serve as a tribute to her life and her legacy, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the spirit of unity and strength that Kayla embodied.

Although her life was tragically cut short, Kayla Reed’s impact will be felt for years to come. Her legacy will live on in her children, her friends, her colleagues, and the countless lives she touched. As the Hale family navigates their grief, they are finding comfort in knowing that Kayla’s spirit will continue to guide them, and her memory will forever be a source of inspiration for those who knew and loved her.

May she rest in peace, and may her family find strength in the love and support of the community as they move forward together.