Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods are playing for big money at the World Golf final event in Turkey – but the Ulsterman insists there is no great rivalry between the pair.

Speaking at the launch of the $10 million event, McIlroy stressed, “This will be the first match where we have played against each other head-to-head compared to individual stroke play so it should be fun, and it’s a match I would really like to win.

“But while I would rather be a part of this than not, I’m in a great position being compared to Tiger. People who watch sports want to see some form of rivalry between myself and Tiger but I don’t see it as that’s what Tiger and I have.

“I am just pleased to be mentioned in the same conversation with Tiger. I’m looking forward to tackling Tiger as everyone knows he’s been a hero of my growing up.”

McIlroy plays this week for the first time since Europe’s stunning Ryder Cup success over America at Medinah.

He added, “I am still trying to come down from the high of the Ryder Cup but it’s just nice to be here.

“I haven’t touched a club since the Ryder Cup and I’ve just been chilling out with my girlfriend Caroline (Wozniacki) so I will get to the golf course early and see if my game is still there.”