Rickie Fowler Sends Touching Message After Tragic Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 12:20 PM ET

The golf community was rocked last week by the heartbreaking news that Cody Hale, a longtime Odyssey Tour representative, suffered the loss of his wife Kayla after her courageous battle with cancer.

The Hale family includes their two young sons, Bowden and Bennett, who now face an unimaginable future without their mother.

Rickie Fowler, who has developed a close friendship with Hale over the years, felt compelled to lend his support during this difficult time.

“I’ve known Cody for a handful of years,” Fowler said on Thursday. “He’s helped me quite a bit on putters when I’ve used Odyssey products. Great guy.”

“His wife was battling cancer for a while and was in remission, but then it returned and, unfortunately, she passed about a week and a half ago now." Fowler went on to explain the family’s ordeal.

"He’s part of the family out here, and when you’re part of the family, their family is part of the family too. You can’t really imagine what they’re all going through—him and his boys.”

In response, a GoFundMe campaign was established to provide financial relief for Hale and his sons and to date, it has raised nearly $100,000. Fowler even shared the fundraiser link on his Instagram story, encouraging others to contribute.

Kayla Hale, wife of longtime Odyssey TOUR rep Cody Hale, died last week at 38 after battling cancer.

Many TOUR pros including Rickie Fowler wore black ribbons Thursday in Kayla’s memory, and many contributed to the GoFundMe for the family. The Hales' two children are 4 and 2. pic.twitter.com/RGEZMAVNWw
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 24, 2025

In a show of solidarity, many golfers chose to wear black ribbons during recent events to honor Hale’s wife and express their support for the family.

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to see him back out here soon,” Fowler added. “I know he loves being out here with all of us. But right now, I know he wants to be home with his boys, and hopefully they can get through this together.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: