Steve Clapper, winner of the 2007 FLW Tour Major at the Detroit River and seven BFLs at the venue, makes his return to tour-level competition this week in the FLW Tour Open there. He won the '07 event as a 'jackpotter' prior to FLW's stipulation in 2009 that competitors in the Majors had to register for all of that season's events. There are no such restrictions for the Opens.
The 63-year-old has been absent from the tournament scene entirely for the past 2 1/2 years while waging a successful battle against cancer.
"It's in remission," he said Tuesday evening. "I just had a scan about 3 weeks ago and it looks like the Lord's going to let me stay around a little longer."
How about his prospects for another six-figure payday?
"I've been struggling (in practice). We've had good weather so I've been running around and covering a lot of water, but I don't have them figured out."
