Scarf suggestion for competitive event (4,4)

I believe the answer is:

boat race

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'competitive event' is the definition.
'boat race' can be an answer for 'event' (boat race is a kind of event). I'm not certain of the 'competitive' bit.

'scarf suggestion' is the wordplay.
'scarf' becomes 'boa' (boa is a kind of scarf).
'suggestion' becomes 'trace' ('trace' can be a synonym of 'suggestion').
'boa'+'trace'='BOAT-RACE'

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for boat race that I've seen before include "Putney-Mortlake event" , "televised row, perhaps" , "crafty contest" , "sporting event" , "Cockney has to face" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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