The fascinating history of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters is also a story of what could have been given the ambitious initial plans for the club. In fact, considering its tumultuous early struggle to survive through the Great Depression and World War II, it's a wonder the club exists at all today.

We are excited to announce our next Golf Digest Happy Hour on Thursday, April 4 at 8:30 p.m. EST: The true story of Augusta National's near demise, according to the club's leading expert, David Owen.

Owen is a longtime New Yorker writer, Golf Digest contributor and preeminent historian on the Masters. While writing a comprehensive history of the club and tournament in his book, “The Making of the Masters,” Owen was granted exclusive access to the Augusta National Golf Club archives.

Owen is recognized as a leading expert on the club and tournament owing to his unique experience researching and writing the award-winning book (he lived on the club grounds on and off, playing the course often, during this time).

Golf Digest+ members can join and ask questions during our live webinar with Owen on Thursday. Members can join the Happy Hour by following the link on this page.