20.21 update - Virtual Caddie not working

Thanks so much for this, I actually did see that suggestion on another thread and tried it before a few previous rounds and nothing has worked to date.

is there an alternative process for IOS or is the operating system largely irrelevant?

is there any way to test if the Virtual Caddie is or isn’t working without being on an actual golf course or so it can be tested before trying to rely on it?

No, you can't test Virtual Caddie unless you are on the course.

The issue was in the backend of teh Golf App so it should work for any watch using the Golf App.
If you were able to confirm that the club name change you made was indeed well taken in account (synchonized) then inded the fix alone is not working.

When you open the Golf App on your phone, choose "Stat" then "Club Stats"
Do you see your bag with the target distance? 
Make sure the watch club list is identical to the list in your Golf App - eventually change some name to reconfirm again that the watch and the Golf App are referring to the same "bag"