YankeeJim:
SystemCrash: ...and don't forget to remove the flagstick when chipping!!
Does this help? I don't know if it keeps the ball out of the hole or keeps it from running past. I've seen chips drop with it in and hit it and not drop.
What is the rule about the caddy tending the pin IRL?
Here is my understanding which may not be 100% accurate.
When on the green, you have to remove the pin. In real life, the caddy or your buddy can tend it for you if you are very far away from the hole and are not being able to see the hole properly. In those situations, they will pull out the pin as soon as you putt. In other words, the pin will not be in when the ball comes close to the hole. In WGT, the default is tending. There is a translucent flag when we putt. But that is never really present when the ball drops in.
When off the green, the player has a choice to keep the pin in or take it out. In real life, most pros choose to keep it in. The advantage is that if you hit too fast and hit the pin, the ball typically stops in gimme distance. The disadvantage is that a ball hit at the correct speed has more probability of dropping in without a pin than with it. So if you are very close and think you can hole the chip or pitch, remove the pin. If you are far away and your goal is to get close, keep the pin in. Just a rule of thumb.