In stroke play, what is necessary for a player to lift their ball?

In stroke play, a player must obtain consent from the player whose ball is being lifted. This is important as it ensures fair play and respect for the other players on the course. Lifting a ball without consent could disrupt the flow of the game and potentially cause disputes among players. The rules in golf are designed to maintain integrity and fairness, and obtaining consent aligns with those principles, allowing other players to be aware of potential changes to the situation on the course.

The other options do not reflect the standard procedures in stroke play. Permission from a referee is generally not required for players to lift their own balls unless it's addressed under specific rules applications. Lifting a ball due to interference goes beyond just considering whether another player's stroke might be affected; it also emphasizes the need for clear communication and respect for the gameplay among all participants. Making an announcement about lifting the ball, while courteous, does not replace the requirement of having consent from the concerned player.