Crossword Genius

What may appear just before one gets to hotel? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

golf

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'hotel?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for golf that I've seen before include "a round or two?" , "Code word for the letter G" , "Flog the game badly" , "Rory McIlroy's game" , "Game played on links" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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