US Open 2015: What time does it start, what TV channel is it on, where can I watch it and who should I look out for?

A look ahead to the second golf major of the year

Martin Kaymer holds the trophy after his US Open triumph (GETTY IMAGES)

When is it?

The tournament runs from 18 to 21 June. Gates open at 6am local time to the conclusion of play, with play scheduled to begin between 7am local time from both the first and tenth tees.

The last groups will begin at 15:12pm from both the first and tenth tees. Typically, players can be seen on the course until 7pm.

Where is it being held?

Chambers Bay Golf Course is in Washington. The course only opened for play in June 2007, nine months before being named host of the 115th US Open, and offers dry, calm conditions for players.

PGA Tour pro Ryan Palmer criticised the coastal venue, which has never before hosted a major tournament, for its tee boxes and varying hole length. USGA executive director Mike Davis dismissed the comments and maintained that players would have to take the time to become familiar with the new course.

Rory McIlroy in relaxed mood at Chambers Bay on Wednesday

Can I still buy tickets?

Available on-site only. Tickets went on sale to the public on 9 June 2014 and have sold out.

What is the prize money?

The total prize pot is $9m, with last year’s champion Martin Kaymer pocketing $1.62m. Champions receive an automatic invitation to the next ten US Opens and to the three other majors (Masters Tournament, The Open Championships and PGA Championship).

Tiger Woods has already played the Chambers Bay course

Who are the ones to watch?

Chambers Bay will host 11 past US Open champions, including major names Rory McIlory and Tiger Woods. 18-year-old Sam Horsfield, current World Amateur Golf Rank No. 18, is the youngest Briton to qualify for the tournament, having completed the Open’s notorious 36-hole cut with a plus-seven handicap.

Englishman Andy Sullivan will hope to follow his successful 2014 career at the coastal course, having broken the £1m earnings mark for the first time despite poor closing rounds at the D+D REAL Czech Masters and the Maybank Malaysian Open.

A disappointing performance at the Byron Nelson will likely not trouble American Jordan Spieth. The 21-year-old tied for third place at the Memorial Tournament in Dublin earlier this month and sits comfortably at the world No. 2 rank following his dominant Masters victory this year.

Jordan Spieth celebrates his Masters victory (Getty Images)

Finally, world No. 19 and returning US Open champion Martin Kaymer will hope to make history by recording the first back-to-back Open victories since Curtis Strange in 1989 and 1990.

Keep an eye out for Phil Mickelson too, with the American finishing tied-third at the St Jude Classic last week to generate momentum heading into the US Open.

Where can I watch it?

Live TV coverage is on Sky Sports for the UK and Ireland.

Day 1 – Thursday, 18 June: Live on Sky Sports 4HD - 5pm

Day 2 – Friday, 19 June: Live on Sky Sports 4HD - 5pm

Day 3 – Saturday, 20 June: Live on Sky Sports 4HD - 7pm

Day 4 – Sunday, 21 June: Live on Sky Sports 4HD - 7pm

Radio coverage:

5 live preview: 21:30-22:30, BBC Radio 5 live

Live commentary of Days 3 and 4 (20 and 21 June), 22:00-03:00, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra