A club with lofty aims (4)
I believe the answer is:
iron
'a club' is the definition.
(type of golf club)
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for iron that I've seen before include "The metallic element plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood" , "Smooth (clothes)" , "Smooth; element" , "sports club" , "Club; element" .)