Word after golf or before sandwich

CLUB

Think of a place where people gather—or a stick used in sports.

This clue plays on two common phrases where "club" fits naturally. "Golf club" is a sports term for the stick used to hit golf balls, so "club" comes right after "golf." Meanwhile, a "club sandwich" is a layered sandwich often found on menus, putting "club" right before "sandwich." The answer ties both ideas together neatly.