The golf world is craving a rivalry. The golf world wants what Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus gave it decades ago.
But to those thinking that Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy will provide it, Tiger says, "Not so fast."
"Rory McIlroy had a wonderful year, and my hat is off to him," Woods posted Monday in a blog entry on his website, TigerWoods.com. "He deserved Player of the Year. Whether we develop a rivalry remains to be seen. Let's just let it play out and see where it takes us . . .
"We'll look at the results the next five or 10 years and see if it becomes a rivalry or not. We'll have to win big events and play each other down the stretch. That hasn't happened yet. We've only played each other at Honda down the stretch.
"We need a lot more of those type of battles, but in bigger events."
Here are other highlights from Tiger's thoughts on 2012 and the upcoming 2013 season:
• Shot of the year: No surprise here, as he pointed to his improbable chip-in birdie at the par-3 16th hole at Muirfield Village during the Memorial that propelled him to the second of his three victories in 2012.
"For (tournament host) Jack (Nicklaus) to say I don't think under the circumstances I've ever seen a better shot was pretty sweet," Woods wrote.
• The 2014 Ryder Cup: Expanding on his statement last week supporting Tom Watson's appointment as captain of the 2014 Ryder Cup squad, Woods congratulated Watson again and called it a "really good choice."
Watson and Woods don't have the best of relationships, with Watson being critical of Woods' off-course woes.
"He knows what it takes to win, and that's our ultimate goal. I hope I have the privilege of joining him on the 2014 United States team," Woods wrote.
• Best Christmas present: In maybe the blog's best nugget, Woods revealed that his kids are "excited about the holidays." What was Woods' most memorable gift? Space Legos.
• Looking ahead to 2013: Per normal, Woods said he has his eyes on the big four tournaments — the Masters, US Open, British Open and PGA Championship. He hasn't won any of those titles since 2009.
"I'm just trying to win those big four tournaments, and obviously try to use other events to prepare for them and try to win them as well. I've had to alter my practice schedule because my kids come first. They're my No. 1 priority," Woods wrote.
"It takes a little better time management on my part to figure all that out, but I expect to play a similar number of events."
