Connects, of course! (5)
I believe the answer is:
links
I believe this is a double definition.
'connects' is the first definition.
('link' can be a synonym of 'connect')
'course' is the second definition.
(I know that Links is a type of golf course)
'of' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for links that I've seen before include "Bonds" , "course for sportspeople" , "Bits of chain" , "Golf courses close to the sea" , "Shore-side golf course - connects" .)