Westner won the World Cup of Golf with Ernie Els in 1996 as well as two South African Opens
World Cup Winner Wayne Westner Commits Suicide
Professional golfer Wayne Westner has committed suicide after a hostage situation at his home in Pennington, South Africa.
Unconfirmed reports emerged this morning that the hostage situation involved his wife at their home in the KwaZulu-Natal province on South Africa’s east coast, just south of Durban.
#Westner Police have confirmed that golfer Wayne Westner has committed suicide. RW
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) January 4, 2017
Eyewitness News, a South African news outlet, report that the 55-year-old died of a gunshot wound to the right side of his head.
Westner with the iconic Dubai Desert Classic trophy in 1993
Westner, who was known for his power, won 14 professional tournaments and reached a high of 40th in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Sad day, our friend Wayne Westner passed today. Great memories thank you my friend.
— Ernie Els (@TheBig_Easy) January 4, 2017
He won the 1988 and 1991 South African Opens, both at Durban Country Club, and also won the 1996 World Cup of Golf alongside Ernie Els.
So shocked to hear of the death of Wayne Westner, double former winner of SA Open and winner of Dubai Desert Classic. RIP Westy.
— Tony Johnstone (@TonyJohnstone56) January 4, 2017
Born in Johannesburg, he won twice on the European Tour, including the 1993 Dubai Desert Classic, and also topped the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit in 1995/96.
His career was cut short after he injured his ankle ligaments in the lead-up to the 1998 Madeira Islands Open – he then went into coaching.
Westner with Greg Norman and Ernie Els at the 1994 Dubai Desert Classic
He set up the Wayne Westner Golf College in KwaZulu-Natal where he coached aspiring young professionals.
So sad about an old troubled friend Wayne Westner #RIPWesty
— Sam Torrance (@torrancesam) January 4, 2017
He worked with some of the world’s top golf coaches, including David Leadbetter, Denis Pugh, Simon Holmes and Bob Torrance.
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