LinksDAO, the Web3-driven golf community that initially raised $10 million through non-fungible token (NFT) sales, has announced a significant expansion with the launch of its new community token, LINKS, and a partnership to acquire partial ownership of the historic Hillcrest Golf Course in Kansas City. These developments represent a strategic shift as the organization moves beyond NFTs to further engage the crypto and golf communities.
Introducing the LINKS Token
In response to shifting market dynamics, LinksDAO is launching LINKS, a community token set to debut on the Base blockchain in the coming months. While NFTs were the cornerstone of LinksDAO’s original fundraising strategy, the broader NFT market has declined significantly since early 2022. Recognizing this trend, the organization aims to introduce a new, more liquid asset that aligns with its long-term vision.
According to LinksDAO founder Mike Dudas, the token is designed to deepen community involvement while complying with regulatory guidelines. “We are going to be launching a community token that has deep culture, that’s embedded in the game of golf, that’s embedded in the community, and that’s permissible under the regulations we have to deal with,” Dudas stated during a community call.
A third of the LINKS token supply will be allocated to LinksDAO NFT holders, with smaller distributions planned for members of other NFT communities, including Pudgy Penguins and Bored Ape Yacht Club. Unlike traditional speculative crypto assets, LinksDAO executives emphasize that LINKS is intended as a community enhancer rather than an investment vehicle.
“The goal is to have every single golfer have LINKS in their crypto wallet,” said Cooper Sherwin, LinksDAO’s head of community and co-founder, underscoring the organization’s broader vision for adoption.
Hillcrest Golf Course Acquisition
Alongside the token launch, LinksDAO has signed an agreement to become a minority owner of Hillcrest Golf Course, an 18-hole course in Kansas City designed by renowned architect Donald Ross in 1915. The acquisition follows LinksDAO’s successful purchase of a golf club in Scotland in mid-2023, marking another step in its plan to blend crypto assets with real-world golf experiences.
Hillcrest, once a highly regarded course, fell into disrepair over the past century, presenting an opportunity for revitalization. Kansas City businessman Robb Heineman, the course’s current owner and also the owner of the city’s Major League Soccer team, initiated a $30 million renovation project after closing the club for redevelopment.
In a press release, Heineman welcomed the partnership, stating, “LinksDAO shares our forward-thinking vision for what a golf club can be.” The deal will provide LinksDAO with a board seat and a stake in the project, though specific financial terms were not disclosed.
Architect Tripp Davis, known for his work on elite courses such as Oak Tree National in Oklahoma and Augusta Country Club, is leading the Hillcrest renovation. His restoration plan includes clearing trees, modernizing course facilities, and reconstructing the clubhouse, which was recently demolished. The course’s strategic location within Swope Park offers sweeping views of downtown Kansas City and its rolling terrain is dotted with mature oaks and sycamores.
Pending approval from LinksDAO’s NFT-holding members, the renovation is scheduled for completion in Spring 2026. The Hillcrest national membership program will be exclusive to LinksDAO NFT holders, further integrating the crypto-golf hybrid model.
Expanding the Crypto-Golf Community
With a membership base spanning 7,000 individuals across 40 countries—80 percent of whom reside in the U.S.—LinksDAO continues to position itself at the intersection of decentralized finance and golf. The organization’s approach blends traditional club ownership with Web3 incentives, creating a novel model for both golf enthusiasts and crypto investors.
Approximately 200 LinksDAO members attended Tuesday’s announcement call, signaling strong community engagement. While LinksDAO labels itself as a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), its structure more closely resembles an affinity club for golf and crypto enthusiasts, as NFT holders participate in governance votes but do not have full legal control over decision-making.
