Two-time European Tour Winner Wayne Westner Dies in Suspected Suicide.

Former South African golf pro Wayne Westner, who won the South African Open in 1988 and 1991and also won the 1996 World Cup of Golf with compatriot Ernie Els died on January 4.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”The police opened a case of inquest after a 55-year-old man identified as Wayne Westner was found dead with a gun wound to his head today at 8:00 am,”[/perfectpullquote]

Thulani Zwane, police spokesman for KwaZulu-Natal province, told AFP. “A pistol was found next to his body… it looks like it was a suicide. He shot himself at the house of his wife in Pennington, south of Durban.”

Ernie Els, with whom Westner won the World Cup of Golf in 1996, led the tributes to his compatriot. “Sad day, our friend Wayne Westner passed today. Great memories thank you my friend,” Els said on Twitter.

Gary Player, South Africa’s most celebrated golfer, said that he was “saddened by the news of the tragic passing of Wayne Westner.”

Danish golfer Thomas Bjorn added: “Really saddened by the news of Wayne Westner. My thoughts go out to those left behind. Hopefully you have found your peace.”

Featured Photo: Provided by AFP (FILES) November 24, 1996.  South African golfers Ernie Els (L) and Wayne Westner smile as they hold aloft the 1996 World Cup for golf at Erinvale, Somerset West, outside Cape Town