Before making a stroke on the putting green, what must a player determine regarding the flagstick?

When a player is preparing to make a stroke on the putting green, one of the important considerations is whether the flagstick should remain in the hole or be removed. The player is required to make this determination for multiple reasons, including the potential impact on the ball’s trajectory and the likelihood of it going into the hole.

If the flagstick remains in the hole, the player may benefit from the flagstick’s position, as it can help guide the ball on a favorable path toward the hole. However, some players prefer to have it removed to eliminate any obstruction or aid that could influence the ball's path or cause an unpredictable bounce.

This decision is a crucial part of the strategy surrounding putting, as it can affect the outcome of the stroke, making it an essential factor to be considered before making the shot.

The other options are not typically required decisions made by a player in this context. For instance, while players may touch the flagstick to ensure it is properly positioned, this isn’t a requirement before making a stroke. Similarly, having another player hold the flagstick is not a standard practice as it could create confusion and disrupt play. Therefore, determining whether the flagstick should remain in the hole stands out as the most critical decision a player