(also "tend" the flag, flagstick or pin) holding and then removing the flagstick after a player has made a stroke Example: If another player is away and it is not your turn to putt you might be attending/tending the flag so they have a clearer view of where the hole is.
To hold and remove the flag whilst the opponent putts.
(aka: "tend the pin/flag") holding the pin/flagstick while a player makes his stroke ensuring that once contact is made with the ball the pin is removed from the hole to avoid any penalty strokes being assessed.
To hold and remove the flagstick from the hole as an opponent putts
To hold and then remove the flag while another player putts or chips.
Sometimes on longer putts, a golfer will prefer to ask a caddy or other player to hold the flag, removing it as the ball nears.
To hold and then remove the flag while another player putts. A common courtesy performed when playing a round.