As Rory McIlroy travelled home from America today clutching the US Open trophy, another runaway winner of the title has spelt out what it means.

"Life as he knew it has ended," said Tony Jacklin, whose seven-shot victory in 1970 was Europe's first for 43 years and last for a further 40.

Now, of course, eight-shot winner McIlroy has followed in the immediate footsteps of fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell.

Jacklin believes that can only help as the 22-year-old – Europe's youngest major champion since 1872 – tries to adjust to his elevated standing in the game.

"What a terrific performance and how remarkable that a tiny little area on the map has produced two winners in a row," said the former Ryder Cup captain

"I watched all I could and I'm absolutely thrilled for him. It was fantastic. Obviously he had learned from the other opportunities he had."

McIlroy followed an opening 63 in The Open last year with an 80, missed out on a play-off by a shot at the US PGA a month later and then in April was four ahead with a round to go at The Masters only to compile another 80.

"Jack Nicklaus told me he had lunch with Rory," Jacklin continued.

"He said that if you are good enough to get into contention a few times you figure it out. I'm so glad he did it in the very next Major and I remember myself that when you have that much of a lead it's hard in some respects.

"You want to get it done because you don't want to be branded a choker. But now he's won one I think he's going to be around for a very long time.

"He has such a great way about him and great technique. But whether he will break records depends on how he organises his life.

"That's going to be the hardest thing – there's so much more media coverage than there was in my time, although when you think back guys like Bobby Jones and Byron Nelson quit young because of the pressures."

Jacklin pinpointed McIlroy's family as providing a vital support network to let him cope with his new-found fame.

He added: "Stability of your family life is so important," added Jacklin.

"That's where Jack was fortunate – he managed to juggle things because he had such a wonderful wife and course design work gave him balance.

"Rory is clearly good enough to win many more, but you can't do it without a plan.

"How do you get away from the attention when you don't want? Everybody needs down time and it's harder living in the UK or Ireland.

"These are the challenges, but let nothing take away from the performance."