Hit game returns (4)
I believe the answer is:
flog
'hit' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'game returns' is the wordplay.
'game' becomes 'golf game' (golf is an example).
'returns' is a reversal indicator.
'golf' reversed gives 'FLOG'.
(Other definitions for flog that I've seen before include "Keep hitting" , "Hit - sell" , "Exchange for money" , "Whip severely" , "Beat with a whip or rod" .)