US Open 2013: Top 5 Players To Watch At This Week's Major Championship; Notable Opening Round Tee Times And Groupings

The U.S. Open golf tournament is one of the most anticipated events for both players and fans on the PGA Tour schedule each and every season. As the world's best battle through four rounds of golf in some of the toughest course conditions in the game, the excitement and drama the Open provides golf enthusiasts on a year-by-year basis is magnificent.

Heading into this year's U.S. Open -- set to begin on Thursday, June 13 from Pennsylvania's Merion Golf Club -- the field will once again contain tremendous individual talent that will be expected to perform at a high level throughout each round. One of those players, Tiger Woods, enters the tournament with 4 wins in 2013 and the World No. 1 ranking. Looking to win his first major championship in five years, Woods is sure to see strong competition from the likes of Rory McIlroy, veteran Jim Furyk, Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, defending Open champion Webb Simpson, Ireland's Graeme McDowell and many more, setting up what could be one of the best U.S. Open's in history.

RELATED: Lindsey Vonn, Tiger Woods Girlfriend, Subjected To Random Drug Test

With a field of 156 players set to begin their title quests on June 13, here's a look at five players to keep an eye on this week at Merion.

5. Lee Westwood - Best U.S. Open Finish: T3 in 2008

Currently No. 11 in the Official World Golf Rankings, England's Lee Westwood has been in contention at the U.S. Open before. Finishing in a tie for third place at Torrey Pines in 2008, Westwood was in contention from start to finish, playing at a high level through four difficult rounds of golf. Missing a 15-footer on the 72^nd hole that would've sent him to a playoff five years ago, Westwood has still not been able to get over the hump of winning his first career Major Championship. A strong performance this week at a Merion golf course that will not exceed 7,000 yards in length -- the shortest Open course in nearly a decade -- Westwood should be considered a dark horse candidate capable of bringing home his first major trophy at the age of 40. With 5 Top 10 finishes in 2013, Westwood enters this week's Open playing some of his strongest golf.

4. Matt Kuchar - Best U.S. Open Finish: T6 in 2010

Playing in 14 events heading into this week's Open, Matt Kuchar has made every cut on his way to six Top 10 finishes and two victories this season. A constant figure in the Top 10 of the World Ranking's, Kuchar undoubtedly possesses the ability to win at Merion. Finishing in a tie for seventh in last season's U.S. Open at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, the No. 4 player in the World should be able to build off that Top 10 finish along with his continued success in 2013.

World Cup 2014: Break Down Of Qualifying Standings So Far For Brazil Games [REPORT]

3. Rory McIlroy - Best U.S. Open Finish: Won in 2011

Ranked No. 2 in the World heading into Thursday's Major Championship, Rory McIlroy will certainly garner plenty of attention from fans and the media throughout this week's Open. Winning his first professional Major Championship at the 2011 U.S. Open with a score of minus-16, McIlroy solidified himself as one of the best players on the planet. The 24-year-old has made 8 of 9 cuts this season and although he hasn't won on tour in 2013, don't sleep on McIlroy given his ability to perform on the big stage and because he should be able to find success given the overall shortness of Merion.

2. Adam Scott - Best U.S. Open Finish: Tie for 15^th in 2012

Playing well for most of last year's Open at Olympic, Adam Scott should be considered one of the favorites in this year's event for the simple fact that he finally showed the ability to close out a Major Championship. Defeating Argentina's Angel Cabrera in a playoff at the 2013 Masters Championship, Scott won his first major championship and truly established himself as one of the best players on tour. In seven events this season, the 32-year-old Australian has made every cut while finishing in the Top 10 three times and of course winning the 2013 Masters Championship. Opening the tournament Thursday afternoon, Scott will be paired with the aforementioned Rory McIlroy and 14-time major champion Tiger Woods.

1. Tiger Woods - Best U.S. Open Finish: Won in 2000, 2002 and 2008

As he looks to snap a five-year major championship drought, World No. 1 Tiger Woods will surely be the favorite to hoist the trophy at the conclusion of the U.S. Open. Winning four times in 2013, the 37-year-old has made every cut in 8 events this season, once again solidifying himself atop the World Golf Rankings. Last winning the U.S. Open in 2008 where he defeated Rocco Mediate in an 18-hold Monday playoff, Woods continues his quest to catch Jack Nicklaus for the most major championship wins of all-time. With 14 major titles, Woods currently sits four behind The Golden Bear but if he continues his strong play, Tiger may be able to cut that deficit to three this week in Pennsylvania.

RELATED: Tiger Woods Lindsey Vonn: Does The Relationship Between Tiger Woods And Lindsey Vonn Have The Seal Of Approval From TW's Mom?

Notable Opening Round Groupings - Thursday, June 13

7:00am - Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson, Nicolas Colsaerts

7:11am - Phil Mickelson, Steve Stricker, Keegan Bradley

7:22am - Matt Kuchar, Justin Rose, Brandt Snedeker

7:33am - Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Tim Clark

7:44am - Sergio Garcia, Stewart Cink, Padraig Harrington

12:52pm - Lee Westwood, Luke Donald, Martin Kaymer

1:03pm - Jim Furyk, Graeme McDowell, Zach Johnson

1:14pm - Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Rory McIlroy

1:36pm - Webb Simpson, Steven Fox (a), Ernie Els

For a complete list of opening round tee times, follow this link.

The 2013 U.S. Open from Merion Golf Club has the potential to be a great one. Feel free to leave your thoughts as to who you'll be watching over the four round event.