NFTs may have lost their shine, but LinksDAO is betting big on the longevity of golf by combining blockchain technology with one of the world’s oldest sports.
By Bena Ilyas
Edited by Julia Sakovich
Updated
3 mins read
LinksDAO is advancing its vision by introducing a community token named LINKS on the Base blockchain. The initiative seeks to strengthen its golf-focused crypto network while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Founder Mike Dudas highlighted its cultural and financial potential during a community call.
The token launch follows an earlier NFT venture that raised $10 million in 2022. At the time, NFTs dominated the digital asset space, driving billion-dollar sales. However, the market has since collapsed, with CryptoSlam’s NFT Index plunging 97% since early 2022. Investor interest has shifted toward meme coins, leaving many NFT projects struggling for relevance.
Source: CryptoSlam
Despite market challenges, LinksDAO continues expanding in the golf industry. The organization acquired a Scottish golf course in 2023 and recently moved to purchase another in Kansas City. Hillcrest Golf Course, the latest target, holds historical significance but requires extensive renovation.
With the NFT market struggling, LinksDAO is shifting toward a more flexible and liquid financial model. OpenSea, once the leading NFT marketplace, saw trading volume plummet from over $6 billion in January 2022 to below $430 million by mid-2024. Rising competition and regulatory pressure have left many NFT collections in decline, with nearly 44.5% of holders facing losses.
The LINKS token could strengthen community participation. While some crypto ventures downplay financial speculation, LinksDAO positions the token as a tool for engagement rather than an investment. Co-founder Cooper Sherwin emphasizes a clear objective — every golfer should have LINKS in a crypto wallet.
A third of the total LINKS supply will be allocated to LinksDAO NFT holders, while smaller portions will go to members of other NFT communities, including Pudgy Penguins and Bored Ape Yacht Club. The strategy seeks to expand the LinksDAO ecosystem as the organization adapts to shifting market dynamics.
Hillcrest Golf Course, the latest project on LinksDAO’s radar, was designed in 1915 by legendary architect Donald Ross. Once regarded as one of the finest courses in the world, it fell into disrepair over the last century. Current owner Robb Heineman, a Kansas City businessman and Major League Soccer team owner, closed the course for a planned $30 million renovation.
Now, Heineman and LinksDAO have reached an agreement for the DAO to become a partial owner of the course. However, the deal still needs approval from LinksDAO’s NFT-holding members, keeping the community at the heart of major decisions.
Heineman expressed confidence in the partnership, stating that LinksDAO “shares our forward-thinking vision for what a golf club can be”. If the deal goes through, it will mark another milestone in LinksDAO’s mission to merge golf with crypto-backed ownership models.
NFTs may have lost their shine, but LinksDAO is betting big on the longevity of golf. The DAO hopes to create a sustainable ecosystem that thrives beyond speculative markets by combining blockchain technology with one of the world’s oldest sports.
Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.
With over 3 years of crypto writing experience, Bena strives to make crypto, blockchain, Web3, and fintech accessible to all. Beyond cryptocurrencies, Bena also enjoys reading books in her spare time.
