What must a player do regarding stating hole scores in a round?

The requirement for a player to state hole scores in a round emphasizes the importance of holeing out at each hole. This action ensures that the official score reflects the player's actual performance for that hole, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of the game. By completing the process of putting the ball into the hole, players are submitting a true representation of their play during the round. This practice aligns with the Rules of Golf that dictate a player's obligation to finish each hole before recording a score, reflecting both the player's skill and adherence to the rules.

Recording only during practice or adjusting scores afterward would detract from the official record of play and could lead to discrepancies in scorekeeping. Not scoring holes or skipping them undermines the structure of the game, making it essential to hole out at every hole for a consistent and valid scorecard.