World number one Rory McIlroy is hopeful of winning against his childhood "hero" Tiger Woods at the inaugural eight-man World Golf Final in Turkey this week.

The 23-year-old Northern Irishman and Woods have been grouped together in the tournament and could eventually contest the final on Friday.

"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," McIlroy is quoted as saying by Reuters on Monday.

"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 will play against Matt Kuchar on Tuesday and Charl Schwartzel and Woods on Wednesday in Group One.