The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word REVERSION
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
R
E
V
E
R
S
I
O
N
More clues leading to the result REVERSION
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "going back to former course" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case going back to former course = reversion.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 REVERSION mean?
REVERSION noun- The action of reverting something.
- The action of returning to a former condition or practice; reversal.
- The fact of being turned the reverse way.
- The action of turning something the reverse way.
- The return of an estate to the donor or grantor after expiry of the grant.
- An estate which has been returned in this manner.
- The right of succeeding to an estate, or to another possession.
- The right of succeeding to an office after the death or retirement of the holder.
- The return of a genetic characteristic after a period of suppression.
- A sum payable on a person's death.
- (in Islamic usage, due to the belief that all people are born Muslim) The act of conversion to Islam.