Changing nappies and doing the household chores is hardly the ideal preparation for a champion, but then Colin Montgomerie is no ordinary golfer.

Despite a four-and-a-half-week absence before and after the birth of his son Cameron, during which he never picked up a club, the Scot has returned to the form he believes can deliver his first major in the US Open next month.

The man who has dominated Europe for the last five years will change his routine to be at his peak for his challenge at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. First, though, there is the Benson and Hedges International Open, which starts today at the Oxfordshire course, then next week's Volvo PGA at Wentworth, two tournaments he has so far failed to win.

Montgomerie, who saw off Ryder Cup team-mate Darren Clarke in a practice round in which he was nine under par after 15 holes, said: ''I don't have to practise as much as some players. It doesn't bother me that I haven't picked up a club in the last month.

''If it works, it works and I am actually getting better at this game. I have been on school runs, baby watch, looking after my wife, enjoying myself at home and changing nappies. You have to lend a hand.''

Montgomerie will play in nine of the next 10 events, taking time off only to travel to France with his father and brother to watch Scotland against Brazil. His schedule will be focused on improving his world ranking rather than retaining his European title.

He explained: ''I am not writing off the Order of Merit, but it is definitely not a priority. That's been and done. I have got to look at the world ranking position. We are coming into a world scene where we have world champion-ships and majors and everyone will be playing together a lot more so that is more appropriate.

''There will always be a blip in my career if I don't win a major. Everyone will say: 'Oh yes, he is very good but . . .' I want to erase that 'but.' I won't defend at Slaley Hall but will go to the Callaway Golf Centre in Carlsbad the week before the US Open for some sensible practice.

''I want to acclimatise and give myself the best possible chance. I have been as guilty as any in the past in not giving myself a 100% chance of winning.''

So far, Montgomerie has never broken 80 on the last day of the B and H and admitted that he had been scarred by those experiences. Now mentally tougher and more mature, he looks the one to beat this week.

Jose Maria Olazabal, favourite to top the Order of Merit, paid tribute to Montgomerie's achievements. ''He's done a wonderful job,'' said the Spaniard, who is a serious contender after finishing runner-up in the previous two tournaments. ''I think he can take a rest and that is fine by me. We should take our hats off to him for what he did - simple as that.

''It would not be fair to put more pressure on him to win a sixth time. It is very difficult to keep that run going. I am not going to say it will be done again in 10 or 15 years, but from time to time you get a great player who has the mental approach to do it.''

Defending champion Bernhard Langer was forced to withdraw from the tournament with a recurrence of the neck injury that has plagued him over the years.

Meanwhile, Scot Raymond Russell's attempt to re-launch his career is being undermined by the hepatitis virus he contracted four months ago. The 25-year-old, who competed in both the World and Dunhill Cups last year, currently languishes in 188th place on the Order of Merit with winnings of just #1715 because of his illness.

The Scot has now been put on another course of antibiotics but it will be six months before he is completely cured.

qFORMER collegiate golfer Ian Steel, from Ayr, was a late entry into the field for today's GTE Byron Nelson Classic in Texas after Australian Steve Elkington withdrew through injury.