LinksDAO Expands Horizons with New Token Launch and Purchase of Historic Golf Course

Crypto meets the fairway as LinksDAO pushes boundaries with token launch and Kansas City course revival.

LinksDAO, the innovative crypto-golf collective that made headlines with its $10 million NFT fundraising in 2022, has announced two major initiatives poised to reshape both the crypto and golf landscapes. The organization is set to launch its new community token, LINKS, on the Base blockchain and has inked a deal to become partial owners of the historic Hillcrest Golf Course in Kansas City.

The introduction of the LINKS token marks a significant evolution from LinksDAO’s original NFT-driven model. The token, designed to foster deeper community engagement rather than serve as a speculative asset, will allocate one-third of its supply to current LinksDAO NFT holders. Smaller allocations are earmarked for prominent NFT communities like Pudgy Penguins and Bored Ape Yacht Club, broadening the project's reach within the Web3 space.

“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,” said Mike Dudas, LinksDAO founder, during a recent community call. Echoing this sentiment, co-founder Cooper Sherwin expressed an ambitious goal: “The goal is to have every single golfer have LINKS in their crypto wallet.”

Simultaneously, LinksDAO revealed its partnership to partially acquire Hillcrest Golf Course, a storied Donald Ross design dating back to 1915. This acquisition follows their first venture into course ownership with a Scottish golf club purchase in 2023. The Hillcrest deal includes a strategic partnership with Robb Heineman, a Kansas City entrepreneur and owner of the city’s Major League Soccer team. Though financial specifics remain confidential, LinksDAO will secure a minority stake and a board seat, ensuring a voice in the course’s future.

Hillcrest is undergoing a $30 million transformation led by renowned golf architect Tripp Davis, whose portfolio includes Oak Tree National and Augusta Country Club. Situated on 135 acres within Swope Park, the course boasts rolling hills, mature oaks, and sweeping views of downtown Kansas City. Renovations are already underway, with tree clearing initiated and plans for a state-of-the-art clubhouse replacing the original structure.

Jim Daily, LinksDAO’s CEO, highlighted the project’s potential: “Hillcrest represents a fusion of golf’s rich history with modern innovation. This is more than an investment; it’s about creating an exceptional golf experience for both our global community and Kansas City locals.”

Membership offerings will cater to both LinksDAO’s expansive global network—over 7,000 members across 40 countries—and Kansas City residents. The national membership program will be exclusive to LinksDAO NFT holders, with members voting on key decisions, including the Hillcrest acquisition. Despite the democratic approach, ultimate legal authority rests with the organization’s leadership.

The partnership with Heineman aims to position Hillcrest as a premier golf destination, with plans to attract professional athletes from the NFL and MLB as members. Heineman praised the collaboration, stating, “LinksDAO shares our forward-thinking vision for what a golf club can be.”

With the course slated to reopen in Spring 2026, LinksDAO’s dual initiatives signal a bold new chapter, blending the ethos of decentralized communities with the timeless appeal of the game of golf.

photo source / Blockonome