The Open Championship 2013: When And Where To Watch 142nd Open Championship At Muirfield; Preview [LIVE STREAM]

Tiger Woods hopes to win his fourth Open Championship. Getty Images

As the 2013 season continues, the PGA Tour prepares to enter the year's third Major Championship.

RELATED: New York Yankees Update: Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez And Curtis Granderson Still Injured; Will Bronx Bombers Stay Competitive?

With thrilling performances in the previous two majors including Adam Scott's playoff victory over Angel Cabrera at The Masters and Justin Rose's ability to take down Phil Mickelson at the recent U.S. Open, this year's British Open should continue the trend of entertaining golf.

When and Where to Watch All 4 Rounds of the 142^nd Open Championship

ESPN Television will anchor coverage of the entire four-day Major Championship beginning on Thursday, July 18 at Muirfield Golf Links in Gullane, Scotland.

Opening Round Coverage: Thursday, July 18th, 4:00am - 3:00pm, EST

Second Round Coverage: Friday, July 19th, 4:00am - 3:00pm, EST

Third Round Coverage: Saturday, July 20th, 7:00am - 2:30pm, EST

Final Round Coverage: Sunday, July 21st, 6:00am - 1:30pm, EST

Those electing to watch the Major Championship on-line can do so by visiting WatchESPN throughout the tournament.

Players To Watch

Defending champion Ernie Els comes into the Muirfield event as the 103^rd-ranked player in the world and despite battling through struggles at times this season -- a season that includes only one Top 10 finish and no victories -- Els should not be counted out this time around because the 43-year-old South African owns two career victories in this championship.

While Els will certainly be a player to keep an eye on, 14-time Major Champion and current World No. 1 Tiger Woods will surely have large galleries following his every shot once the tournament begins on Thursday.

RELATED: Lindsey Vonn Talks Tiger Woods Relationship; Is The Olympic Skier Happy? [VIDEO]

Woods struggled in the recent United States Open and due to a strain in his left elbow, the 37-year-old has remained out of competitive action for the last 4 weeks. Looking to bounce back from a rough showing at the most recent major, the three-time Open champion is up for the challenge of conquering Muirfield.

"I just wanted to make sure that I'm rested and feel fit and ready to go for the championship," Woods said regarding his recent time off. I've done a lot of homework on the greens each day. And I've taken my time and really got a good feel for them. So that's been good. I just would like to maybe get another wind in, a little different direction."

"I feel very good about my game," he continued. "Even though I haven't won a major championship in five years, I've been there in a bunch of them where I've had chances. I just need to keep putting myself there and eventually I'll get some."

Phil Mickelson will also experience a large following this week and the 2013 U.S. Open runner-up has reason to believe he can bring home the British trophy after claiming the Scottish Open last week.

The 43-year-old San Diego, California native's best finish at The Open Championship came in 2011 when he finished in a tie for second at Royal St George's in England.

RELATED: Manchester United Transfer Rumors: Wayne Rooney Headed To Man U Premier League Rival Chelsea?

Knowing he'll need to rely heavily on his short game this week, Mickelson wasn't blind to the fact that a certain level of luck is always needed when taking on the tough conditions of The Open Championship.

"I've not putted these greens well with these little subtle nuances and rolls, with the crosswinds that come into play, as well as the strong blades of fescue grass," he said. "But I am really optimistic about this week and going forward because I'm starting to putt as well as I ever have. You need an element of luck, but you also need to play some great golf. These last few months I've played well enough to get in contention and play well here, but I do need some luck."

Notable Thursday Tee Times (ALL TIMES EASTERN)

1:32am Peter Senior, Lloyd Saltman, Oliver Fisher (First Tee Time of Tournament)

2:38am Miguel Jimenez, K.J. Choi, Jimmy Walker

3:44am Dustin Johnson, Nicolas Colsaerts, Bubba Watson

4:00am Tom Watson, Fred Couples, Nick Faldo

4:11am Ernie Els, Justin Rose, Brandt Snedeker

4:22am Keegan Bradley, Billy Horschel, Ian Poulter

4:44am Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama

9:01am Lee Westwood, Charl Schwartzel, Sergio Garcia

9:12am Adam Scott, Matt Kuchar, Luke Donald

9:45am Tiger Woods, Louis Oosthuizen, Graeme McDowell

For the complete list of Tee Times, follow this link.