Crossword Genius

Sweetheart holds up item that helps swingers raise their game (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tee

'item that helps swingers raise their game' is the definition.
(golf tee - golfers swing their clubs)

'sweetheart holds up' is the wordplay.
'holds' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'up' says the letters should be written backwards (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'eet' is hidden within 'sweetheart'.
'eet' written backwards gives 'TEE'.

(Other definitions for tee that I've seen before include "Golfing item" , "Starting place on the golf course" , "Where a hole starts" , "Golfer drives from it" , "Golfer's support" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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