The second Grand Slam event of the year is nearly upon us. The 2012 U.S. Open gets started on Thursday, with the best golfers in the world attempting to take home the prestigious title.

Rory McIlroy is the reigning champion and will be back to defend his title. In 2011, McIlroy set records for the lowest 72-hole score at the U.S. Open and the most strokes under par for the tournament. He'll also be attempting to become the fourth player ever to win the U.S. Open in consecutive years.

As Tiger Woods attempts to make his way back to the upper echelon of the golf world, he will also be chasing history. Woods enters the tournament as the odds-on favorite to win. Should he capture the title, Woods will enter into a tie with four other golfers as the only players to win four career U.S. Open titles.

ESPN has the broadcast from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PT. NBC takes over the television coverage from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. PT and ESPN will finish up the day from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. PT.

The USGA website will have live streaming coverage of the event all day long here. For a look at all of the groupings and tee times for Day 1, check here.

For all your news and updates in the run up to the 2012 U.S. Open at Olympic, visit SB Nation's dedicated golf hub. Be sure to head over to USOpen.com for even more coverage from the event.