2013 Masters Golf Tournament: When And Where To Watch All 4 Rounds Live; Preview

The 2013 Masters golf tournament gets underway today from the famed Augusta National in Augusta, Ga.

With a loaded field once again including past champions Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson and players looking for their first Green Jacket like Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler, the 2013 edition of the Masters promises to be one of the best.

Live coverage of Thursday's First Round can be seen on ESPN television starting at 3 p.m., EDT. Second round coverage on Friday will also begin at 3 p.m., EDT on ESPN. Switching from ESPN to CBS for the start of the Third round, coverage starts at 3 p.m., EDT, Saturday while Final round air time is set for 2 p.m., EDT, Sunday. For those wishing to watch on-line, Masters.com will be offering viewers the ability to follow selected groups throughout the four-day event.

It should come as no surprise that the hands down favorite to win this year's event is Tiger Woods.

Winner of four-career Masters championships, Tiger is once again World No. 1. Having won three times this year, Woods is third on Tour in birdie average this season and tops in Strokes gained -- putting, two areas he'll need to be strong if he hopes to earn a fifth green jacket. The 37-year-old will being the tournament paired alongside Luke Donald and Scott Piercy, creating a trio of players fans will want to keep an eye on.

Defending champion Bubba Watson will tee off just after 10:30 a.m. Thursday. He'll be joined by Ian Poulter and Steven Fox. Both Watson and Poulter are capable of competing at this year's event as Watson aims for his second-career Major title while Poulter looks for his first.

Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson begins his quest for another title just after 1 p.m. Mickelson finished in a tie for third in last year's event and is expected to be in contention once again this year.

The final group to tee off Thursday might be the most intriguing as Bill Haas, Jason Dufner and Matt Kuchar will play together.

Haas' best finish at August was a tie for 18th in 2010 but the 30-year-old Charlotte, North Carolina native knows how to play in big spots. In his career-best season of 2011, Haas took home a FedEx Cup Championship.

Matt Kuchar, aside from having a big game, has become a fan favorite everywhere he goes.

Currently 10th in the Official World Golf Rankings, Kuchar will be amongst a strong group of American's expected to compete at this year's tournament.

The final player in the trio is Jason Dufner. The 36-year-old's best finish at August came last year as he tied for 24th. With four career Tour victories and sitting No. 18 in the World Golf Rankings, Dufner has the game to get it done at Augusta.

The Masters is one of the top sporting events around and it's certainly something golf enthusiasts look forward to every year.

Be sure to follow the four-round event starting today at 3 p.m., EDT, on ESPN television and Masters.com.