The Rory-and-Tiger rivalry has been slow to take shape going into Honda Classic

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – When Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy began the year, no one had this in mind for their rivalry.

They made their debut in Abu Dhabi last month and both missed the cut. The played in the same tournament last week in the Match Play Championship, and both were eliminated in the first round.

The difference is that Woods returned to Torrey Pines the week after missing the cut and left little reason for anyone to doubt the state of his game when he built a lead that reached eight shots until the day dragged on and he won by four for his 75th career PGA Tour win.

But the start of the Florida swing is no time to panic, and McIlroy sure doesn't sound worried at the Honda Classic.