Cryptic crossword clue
Was brilliant in golf, then made a mess 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word GLITTERED

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
G
L
I
T
T
E
R
E
D

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Was brilliant" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case was brilliant = glittered.
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.

Crossword Answer definitions

GLITTERED verb
  1. To sparkle with light; to shine with a brilliant and broken light or showy luster; to gleam.
  2. To be showy, specious, or striking, and hence attractive.

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