Bubbling up: Open hopefuls prep for major with a difference at Royal St George's

The Championship has suffered more high-profile withdrawals after Hideki Matsuyama, the Masters champion, joined Bubba Watson in confirming he will not play this week

Ireland's Shane Lowry smiles as he sits next to the Claret Jug trophy at the post-tournament press conference at Royal Portrush in July 2019. Lowry was able to keep the trophy for two years because the British Open was canceled last year by the pandemic.

As tradition goes at the British Open, it might feel as though nothing has changed.

Shane Lowry, a popular champion on Irish soil at Royal Portrush, returns the silver claret upon his arrival Monday at Royal St. George’s for a ceremonial start to the 149th edition of golf’s oldest championship. It’s like clockwork, with one exception: The British Open is one year behind.