AUGUSTA, GEORGIA (AFP) - Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods have shared the world No. 1 ranking this year, but talk of an all-encompassing rivalry between the two is premature, the Irishman said on Tuesday.

Speaking ahead of his fifth appearance in the Masters, the year's first Major, McIlory said that a quick a look at their respective playing records proved his point.

"I don't see myself a rival to Tiger or to anyone," he said.

"Tiger obviously has been on tour, for, what, 12 more years than me or something like that.

"When you speak of rivals, you tend to put rivals who have had similar success. He's got 77 PGA Tour events (wins); I've got six.

"He's got 14 Majors; I've got two. If I saw myself a rival to Tiger, I wouldn't really be doing him much justice."