Non-fungible token (NFT) country club LinksDAO has included Callaway Golf Company in its plan to own and operate a golf course.
Callaway, one of the largest golf equipment manufacturers and owner of the Topgolf driving range game, has invested in LinksDAO's ongoing capital round, two people familiar with the investment told CoinDesk.
A representative for LinksDAO declined to comment on the funding. Callaway declined to comment on the funding, but said, "This marketing partnership is the beginning of our relationship."
Callaway's money and influence bolster the war chest of LinksDAO LLC, which is looking to buy a golf course. The group, founded by Mike Dudas and led by Jim Daily, is a variant of the "decentralized autonomous organization" crypto movement. It first gained notoriety after raising $10 million via crowdfunding in January by selling digital membership tokens to golfers.
The tie-up also extends to branding, with Callaway becoming the "official" outfitter of LinksDAO and will offer discounts and deals on branded merchandise to the group's NFT members.
"This strategic collaboration is a natural fit that will benefit both brands," said Callaway CEO Chip Brewer, who was personally involved in the agreement.
"We are thrilled to work with Chip Brewer and his team across all brands to deliver fantastic benefits to our community and take the game of golf into a new era," LinksDAO's CEO Daily said in a statement.
Disclosure: The author owns two LinksDAO NFTs.