McIlroy cools talk of Woods rivalry

Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods and a host of other Ryder Cup stars are participating in the inaugural Turkish Airlines World Golf Final, which starts today.

The eight-man medal matchplay tournament, played at Belek's Antalya Golf Club, features McIlroy, Woods, Lee Westwood, Justin Rose, Charl Schwartzel, Webb Simpson, Hunter Mahan and Matt Kuchar.

The eight players are split into two groups of four, with each golfer taking on the other three players from their four ball in a round robin format.

In the group of McIlroy, Woods, Schwartzel and Kuchar, for example, the Ulsterman will go head to head with Kuchar on Tuesday and the other two players over two sessions on Wednesday.

One point is awarded for a win and a half point is awarded for a draw, with the top two in each group advancing to the semi-final stage.

All the pre-tournament talk has focused on the current world number one the 14-time major winner, but McIlroy has played down talk of a rivalry.

"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'd really like to win," he said.

"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 from 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. As everyone knows, he's been a hero of mine growing up."

The winner of the tournament will receive $1,500,000 from a total prize pool of $5,200,000.