2022 Mexico Open predictions, expert picks, odds, field ranking, golf best bets at Vidanta Villarta

The PGA Tour returns to its regularly scheduled programming this week as players head South for the Mexico Open

Put your partner to the side as the pleasantries of the Zurich Classic team event are no more. Golfers are to make their way South of the border to Vallarta, Mexico, as the first edition of the Mexico Open marks the return of stroke-play competition on the PGA Tour. Lost in between the year's first two majors, the Masters and PGA Championship, the Mexico Open has drawn a less-than-stellar field for its tournament debut but nevertheless has a number of key names competing for the purse.

Don't get it twisted: The introduction of a new golf course, a large Mexican contingent in the field and world No. 2 Jon Rahm returning to competition should be conducive for an entertaining weekend of golf. The clear class of the field, Rahm is without a top-10 finish in a stroke-play event since February, and he will look to return to his winning ways as the PGA Tour's long summer of play quickly approaches.

Rahm and the rest of the field will take to the Norman Signature Course at Vidanta Villarta for the first time in the public eye. The par-71 can be described as generous off-the-tee and laid out right in front of players. With no tricks or gimmicks likely to appear, those who own enviable length may be in an advantageous position before play even begins.