Power Rankings: Mayakoba Golf Classic

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For anyone privileged to visit the Riviera Maya, it's obvious to understand why it's such a popular getaway. The sand, the sea, the serenity.

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The PGA TOUR is certainly aware as it extended its contract with sponsor OHL and the Mayakoba Golf Classic through 2018. The agreement announced in November tagged permanent onto destination, a welcome commodity as the northern 48 begins to think about thawing out from winter.

While seasonably warm and humid conditions will greet the field of 132 at El Camaleon Golf Club this week, there is significant challenge amid the beauty of lush jungle and ocean views. Call it a working vacation.

El Camaleon ranked as the fifth-most difficult par 71 of 11 in non-majors last year. Its scoring average of 70.626 fell in line with its five-year history, including the first three years as a par 70. (The eighth hole is now a par 5.)

Comprehensive statistics to help fine-tune the premiums are not maintained to compare it against other host tracks, but greens in regulation is paramount. The specificity of hitting fairways takes a back seat to simply retaining open looks at greens that average 6,000 square feet and run at 10.6 on the Stimpmeter. This is no simple task given the thick vegetation and sharp angles. Veteran ball-strikers should contend as well as those with experience knowing where to miss if necessary.

El Camaleon's architect, Greg Norman, may be the headliner among the over-50 crowd in the field this week, but fellow Champions Tour stars Fred Funk (inaugural champion in 2007) and John Cook (solo third in 2011) have earned attention as competitors. Also committed is Tom Lehman, who finished T13 last year. Also in the field is Nick Price, who made the cut here in 2008.

Along with the aforementioned tropical weather, an elevated risk of rain and thunderstorms creeps into the picture on the weekend. Prior to that, the primary challenge will come in the form of moderate winds.

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Power Rankings: Mayakoba Golf Classic

Rank Player   Comment Brian GAY The only surprise about his victory here in 2008 was that it took so long for him to break through; otherwise, he's the template to conquer El Camaleon. Followed his win with a T20 in 2009 and a T5 last year. His tee-to-green precision needs no reminder. Spencer LEVIN Teeing it up for the seventh straight week. He held the same schedule last year, and then lost in a playoff to Johnson Wagner at this event. After a disappointing fade to finish third at TPC Scottsdale three weeks ago, shared ninth at Pebble Beach. Jarrod LYLE Shared fourth place at the Northern Trust Open to establish a personal best on the PGA TOUR. Carded a bogey-free 65 in his second round at Riviera. He's posted top 10s in each of the last three editions of the Mayakoba, including a T5 last year. Johnson WAGNER The defending champ could make it 2-for-2 given how well he fits El Camaleon -- 54th in greens hit, sixth in Strokes Gained-Putting -- and his torrid start to 2012. He's posted three top 10s including a win and a second, and hasn't missed a cut in five starts. Briny BAIRD Finally got off the schneid with a T34 at the Northern Trust Open, ending an 0-for-3 drought to start the year. Eighth in all-time earnings at the event. He's made the cut all five times and finished no worse than T6 (2009) in his last three. Charles HOWELL III Fourth consecutive appearance. Capped off last year's personal-best T13 with 21 straight pars. Sustained just three over-par holes all week. Opened 2012 with a co-runner-up at Waialae. Ranks 22nd on TOUR in greens in regulation. Rory SABBATINI He missed the cut at Riviera, closing with an inward 45 en route to a second-round 80. Returns to Mexico after a T5 in his debut last year. The South African finished a mere T50 in greens hit but ranked second in birdies and circled an eagle to boot. Cameron BECKMAN The 2010 champ has three other top 10s and sits atop the all-time money list at the tournament. He's started this year 3-for-5 with zero top 30s but his incoming form has been off upon arriving in previous appearances. Michael THOMPSON Has missed the cut in both previous appearances but arrives after having shared 17th place at the Northern Trust Open. The second-year TOUR member is developing some moxie, relying on an eclectic blend of par-5 scoring and putting. Roland THATCHER He's rarely had success on the West Coast so don't let the 1-for-3 start with a T54 at Pebble Beach rattle you. He also owns the course record at El Camaleon, riding a nine-under 61 in 2008 to a share of ninth place. Sits 44th on TOUR in ball-striking.