The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word WOODS
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
W
O
O
D
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Clubs" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case clubs = woods.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does WOODS mean?
WOODS noun- The substance making up the central part of the trunk and branches of a tree. Used as a material for construction, to manufacture various items, etc. or as fuel.
- The wood of a particular species of tree.
- A forested or wooded area.
- Firewood.
- A type of golf club, the head of which was traditionally made of wood.
- A woodwind instrument.
- An erection of the penis.
- Chess pieces.
- To cover or plant with trees.
- To hide behind trees.
- To supply with wood, or get supplies of wood for.
- To take or get a supply of wood.
- (sometimes offensive, of a person) A peckerwood.
- (usually with plural construction, sometimes with singular construction) A dense collection of trees, usually one covering a relatively small area; usually smaller than a forest.
- For chemical behavior purposes, trees in full leaf (coniferous or medium-dense deciduous forests).