Rory McIlroy warned Tiger Woods that he was coming for his golf crown in a letter written by the Irishman at just nine years of age.

Woods once spent a record 683 weeks as the world's number one golfer, but has since dropped to 104th following injury woes.

In contrast, McIlroy has soared up the rankings and currently holds the top spot after winning four major titles by the age of 25.

McIlroy's uncle Brian revealed to the New York Times that his nephew penned a letter when he was a child warning Woods that he would one day be challenging him for honours.

McIlroy's message was paraphrased by Brian, who said: "I'm coming to get you. This is the beginning. Watch this space."

When asked about the message, McIlroy told the newspaper: "A lot of those memories have kind of blurred together, but yeah, it went something like that."

The Masters at Augusta is the only Major that has eluded the Irishman so far, but he will attempt to add the green jacket to his list of achievements when the tournament gets underway on April 9.