2012 British Open winner (3)
I believe the answer is:
els
'2012 british open winner' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for els that I've seen before include "Angular distances above the horizon" , "US urban railways" , "Successful owner of several clubs" , "Ernie - - (golfer)" , "South African golfer" .)