How would we know where the hole is? Your point is very valid but so is knowing where to hit the ball.I must admit the flag stick is one thing that went through my mind yesterday. Maybe it would be better if all flagsticks were taken in.
We have had a fairly generic guidance email today that advises leaving the flag in at all times, amongst other things. There are lots of surface we touch all of the time, you can not eliminate risk from everything. Last night I filled up the car. I put more than £30 in so no contactless. I'm touching the buttons on the keypad after who know how many others? I walked the dog in the park on Sunday, at night, few people there. I had to cross a road at one point and press the button to stop the lights. We are touching things all of the time, flag sticks are just another one on the list. Leave them in, just pull your ball out.