Big cat in golf course reported (4)
I believe the answer is:
lynx
'big cat' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'golf course reported' is the wordplay.
'golf course' becomes 'links' (synonyms).
'reported' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'links' sounds like 'LYNX'.
'in' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for lynx that I've seen before include "Keen-eyed feline" , "One with sharp eyes" , "European wild cat" , "Short-tailed wildcat, often with tufted ears" , "Animal that's spotted" .)