Dave Stockton left an imprint on Kiawah Island, S.C., 21 years ago when he served as Captain in perhaps the most thrilling finale in Ryder Cup history.

After a return trip to the island and The Ocean Course last week, in conjunction with being presented the PGA Distinguished Service Award, Stockton flew home for the weekend to California. Things got even better for the 70-year-old two-time PGA Champion in front of his television where he watched student Rory McIlroy's charge to a second major championship.

"I am just getting over having such a great week for me and my family, and then it just got even better," said Stockton. "I am so proud of him."

Stockton said that he would send a request that he hopes PGA of America officials will honor.

"I want it to be known that I want to be sitting at Rory's table next year at the Champions' Dinner," said Stockton.

Stockton said that he has seen McIlroy grow in confidence as well as polish his game.

"Rory has a clear insight of what he should be doing mentally," Stockton said. "What I like about him is that he answers all questions with great honesty. That is refreshing, and it will carry him to even greater things. I guess this ends all the talk about 16 straight different major winners!"

McIlroy paid tribute to Stockton in his post-Championship media conference, pointing out the coincidence of winning his two majors at sites where his teacher was successful. Stockton won the second of his two PGA Championships in 1976 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., where McIlroy romped to his U.S. Open victory last year.

"Anywhere Dave's done well, I seem to do well," McIlroy said. "Anywhere he's had success, I've had success, too, which is pretty cool."

McIlroy said that Stockton gave him a lift when they met a week earlier at the Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.

"You know, we had a chat last week in Akron," McIlroy said. "He just said to me, 'Just go out and play with a smile on your face. Enjoy it. This is what you've always wanted to do since you were a little boy. There's no point in getting frustrated out there or getting upset. Just go out and enjoy it.' That's the attitude that I had for the last couple weeks, and it definitely helped."

Never to mince words, Stockton said the golf world should anticipate McIlroy producing more special moments.

"He's going to be a focal point for some time now," Stockton said. "It has been great to have my family have a chance to be around him and see what a great young man he is."