TLDR
- LinksDAO announces launch of LINKS community token on Base blockchain, moving beyond their initial NFT-based model
- Organization signs agreement to become partial owners of Hillcrest Golf Course in Kansas City, a historic Donald Ross design
- The $30 million renovation project will be led by architect Tripp Davis, with plans for completion in Spring 2026
- A third of LINKS token supply will be reserved for LinksDAO NFT holders, with smaller allocations for other NFT communities
- Project combines crypto and traditional golf communities, with both LinksDAO members and local Kansas City memberships planned
LinksDAO, the crypto-golf organization that raised $10 million through NFT sales in 2022, announced two major developments this week: the launch of a new community token called LINKS and a partnership to partially acquire the historic Hillcrest Golf Course in Kansas City.
The organization plans to release its LINKS token on the Base blockchain in the coming months. This move represents a shift from their original NFT-focused strategy, adapting to current market trends. The distribution plan allocates one-third of the token supply to existing LinksDAO NFT holders, with smaller portions reserved for members of other NFT communities, including Pudgy Penguins and Bored Ape Yacht Club.
During a community call on Tuesday, LinksDAO founder Mike Dudas emphasized the token’s compliance with regulations and its connection to golf culture.
“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,” Dudas stated.
The organization’s leaders have positioned LINKS as a community “enhancer” rather than a speculative investment. Cooper Sherwin, head of community and co-founder, outlined an ambitious vision: “The goal is to have every single golfer have LINKS in their crypto wallet.”
Golf Course Acquisition
Parallel to the token announcement, LinksDAO revealed its agreement to become partial owners of Hillcrest Golf Course, a Donald Ross-designed course from 1915. This marks the organization’s second course acquisition, following their purchase of a golf club in Scotland in mid-2023.
The Hillcrest deal involves a partnership with Kansas City businessman Robb Heineman, who owns the city’s Major League Soccer team. Heineman initiated a $30 million renovation project after closing the course. While specific financial details remain private, LinksDAO will gain a minority ownership stake and a board seat in the venture.
The renovation project will be led by architect Tripp Davis, known for his work at prestigious clubs including Oak Tree National in Oklahoma and Augusta Country Club. Davis has already begun clearing trees on the 135-acre property, which sits on the county’s highest point within Swope Park.
Hillcrest’s location offers views of downtown Kansas City and features rolling terrain with mature oaks and sycamores. The property’s existing clubhouse has been demolished to make way for a modern facility. The course holds historical value, with Donald Ross reportedly telling the Kansas City Star in 1912 that “Kansas City will have the world’s finest course.”
Jim Daily, LinksDAO’s CEO, expressed high expectations for the renovated course. The organization plans to market memberships both to its global community and locally in Kansas City. According to Daily, several professional athletes from the NFL and MLB are in discussions to join.
LinksDAO’s membership base has grown to over 7,000 members across 40 countries, with approximately 80 percent residing in the United States. The organization’s NFT-holding members will vote on the Hillcrest acquisition, though they don’t hold full legal control over project decisions.
About 200 members attended Tuesday’s announcement call to hear details about both the course acquisition and token launch. The structure reveals that LinksDAO operates more as an affinity club for crypto and golf enthusiasts rather than a true decentralized autonomous organization.
The Hillcrest national membership program will be restricted to LinksDAO NFT holders. Project leaders aim to open the renovated course in Spring 2026, pending member approval and successful growing seasons.
Heineman expressed enthusiasm about the partnership in a press release: “LinksDAO shares our forward-thinking vision for what a golf club can be.”
