The first round of the 2012 U.S. Open has commenced at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. The action can be watched live on ESPN from 12 p.m. ET and will remain on that channel until 3 p.m. ET. From then on coverage will switch to NBC from 3 p.m. through 5 p.m., at which point it will switch back over to ESPN and remain on that network until 10 p.m. close of play.

Golf fans can also watch the action on live stream online through USOpen.com. That site will be showing coverage from 10.30 a.m. and will feature special footage on the marquee group showing Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson.

Other online live streams available are through ESPN3 and WatchESPN.com. ESPN will be featuring special cameras at the 8th and 18th holes.

Along with the Masters the U.S. Open is arguably the most important major for top golfers. Most majors at present have a wide range of players who could take the title, and this has led to an exciting period in pro golf. Many are expecting Tiger Woods to soon return to the forefront of the sport, following the decline in his game and problematic personal life. However, other leading players such as Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, Luke Donald, Bubba Watson will have huge support and will be looking to take the victory.

The U.S. Open takes place at the Olympic Club in San Francisco from June 14 through June 17, and will be shown live on ESPN and NBC.

Where to Watch Round-By-Round

Round 1 (Thursday, June 14)

12 p.m.-3 p.m. ET (ESPN)

3 p.m.-5 p.m. ET (NBC)

5 p.m.-10 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Round 2 (Friday, June 15)

12 p.m.-3 p.m. ET (ESPN)

3 p.m.-5 p.m. ET (NBC)

5 p.m.-10 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Round 3 (Saturday, June 16)

4 p.m.-10 p.m. ET (NBC)

Round 4 (Sunday, June 17)

4 p.m.-10 p.m. ET (NBC)