The Invitational
Written By Justin Tsucalas
The invitational explores the whimsical yet chaotic world of miniature golf through the lens of forensic-style observation, revealing the intricate details that often go unnoticed in the blur of family fun. Modeled after forensic investigations, each image captures the wear and tear, playful absurdity, and emotional residue left behind on the greens—from the crowd of life sized dinosaurs in a hotel parking lot and peeling turf to triumphant high-fives and quiet moments of frustration. The project highlights the fine line between carefree entertainment and a rite of passage marked by lost balls, heated sibling rivalries, and the inevitable parental meltdown. By zooming in on both the charm and the decay, the series offers a deeper reflection on how this seemingly lighthearted activity mirrors the unpredictability of shared family experiences. A version of this essay about Maryland courses was recently published in Baltimore Magazine’s July 2025 issue. This project is on-going.