Steve Lotysz: Turning Dreams into Golf Art Legends

There was a time when Steve Lotysz, an artist from Frankfort, would gaze through the gates of Medinah Country Club, wondering if he might someday contribute his art to the golf world there. Known among golfers as Steve Lotus, he yearned for the opportunity to capture the beauty of Medinah in his work. “I used to drive by Medinah when I was an artist and a golfer and I would look through the gates and say, you know, I have to try it someday,” he recalled. “Maybe I’ll get to paint this course. It’s so beautiful.”

Years later, his dreams materialized. Lotysz was commissioned to provide the artwork for the Presidents Cup, an event that began festivities on Tuesday, with competition starting Thursday on Medinah’s Course No. 3. He will be present to meet patrons and sell prints of his work. This honor marks the fourth time in his career that he has been invited to create artwork for a major Medinah event.

On Thursday, the United States team, led by captain Brandt Snedeker, will compete against the International team, captained by Geoff Ogilvy. Players such as Scottie Scheffler, Cameron Young, Wyndham Clark, and Sam Burns are part of the USA team, while the International team includes Si Wood Kim, Ryan Fox, Min Woo Lee, and Adam Scott.

The Presidents Cup launched in 1994 and is held biennially. The United States has a commanding 13-1-1 record, winning the last ten consecutive matches. Lotysz previously created artwork for the 1999 and 2006 PGA Championships at Medinah, both won by Tiger Woods, and the 2012 Ryder Cup, famously dubbed the “Miracle at Medinah.”

Working from his home in Frankfort, Lotysz is busy with sketches for the Presidents Cup. For Lotysz, 2026 has held significance with commissions at the PGA Championship near Philadelphia and the Open Championship in Southport, England. Amidst his professional achievements, Lotysz celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary. His wife, Sue, has been instrumental in handling administrative duties for his 56 event commissions since 1997. His journey began when he became the signature artist at the U.S. Senior Open at Olympia Field Country Club.

Lotysz attributes his success to his passion for golf and painting: “I never set out to boast or do that. I just painted what I loved, which was golf art.” His dual identity as a golfer and artist gives him unique perspective: “Some golf artists are not golfers,” he noted. “But as a golfer, I always felt like I could bring something more to the table.”

His creative process and faith are intertwined: “I always pray before I paint,” he said. His signature includes the Christian fish symbol, reflecting his belief in spiritual guidance during the art creation process.

Looking forward, Lotysz has no specific target for the number of commissions before retiring. He has already secured commissions for two major events in 2027 – the PGA Championships in Frisco, Texas, and the Open Championship in St. Andrews, Scotland. This will be his third time painting the historic St. Andrews course. As he puts it, “As long as I do what I do and do it well, people are happy with my work.” The connections and friendships made along the way enrich his journey, as Lotysz remains grateful for every opportunity and experience.