Jon Rahm enters as the heavy betting favorite while Lee Westwood might make history but not the kind he would have hoped for

The Open Championship returns with boundless storylines and two years worth of anticipation

Set those alarm clocks bright and early because for the first time in two years it's British Open week. The world's best will navigate the heavily sloped contours of Royal St. George's in pursuit of (still) Shane Lowry's Claret Jug. 

Just how different was the world last time we saw the Open? Well, Tom Brady was under center in New England and Zion Williamson had not yet competed in the NBA. 

Speaking of not competing, a number of noteworthy withdrawals are an indication of the strict protocols players were greeted with this week in the U.K. So strict, in fact, that Kevin Na, said "Na Thanks" to his British Open invite. 

History may be just around the corner for Lee Westwood, but not the kind he would have ever hoped to make. We break down the dubious record he may break this week, and much more in this major championship edition of "Up and Down".

More Morning Read Coverage of 2021 British Open:

- The Five Best Opens of the 21st Century
- Unfazed Bryson DeChambeau Turns Page on Caddie Saga
- Bettors' Roundtable: Favorites, Sleepers, Best Bets from Pool of Experts
- No Course Embraces Quirks Quite Like Royal St. George's'
- Shane Lowry Can Make Rare History This Week
- The Perfect Venue to Cap 2021 Major Season? It's Royal St. George's
- Americans Need to Man Up an Deal With British Open Travel Protocols
- Elements of Style: What Pros Will Wear This Week at British Open
- Gary Player Says St. George's is Easiest of Open Venues