Crossword Genius

The midshipman says they're clubs! (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

putters

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

'clubs' is the definition.
(I know that putter is a type of clubs)

'the midshipman says' is the wordplay.
'the midshipman' becomes 'p' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'says' becomes 'utters' (I've seen this before).
'p'+'utters'='PUTTERS'

'they're' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for putters that I've seen is " Golf clubs".)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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