Golf-Two-time European Tour winner Westner in apparent suicide

CAPE TOWN, Jan 4 ( Reuters) - Two-time European Tour winner and former World Cup of Golf champion Wayne Westner died in a suspected suicide in South Africa on Wednesday. Westner, 55, was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head and a pistol next to his body at the home of his estranged wife in Pennington south of Durban. Westner won the South African Open in 1988 and 1991, but retired in 1998 when he tore ligaments in his ankle while playing a tournament in Portugal. 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," he tweeted. Gary Player, South Africa's most celebrated golfer, added: " Vivienne, my family & I are saddened by the news of the tragic passing of Wayne Westner & send condolences to all his family & friends. RIP." Swedish 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." Local media reported that Westner's wife, with whom he was separated, was preparing to relocate to Johannesburg with his three children when he forced himself into the family home and committed suicide. (Reporting by Nick Said, editing by Neil Robinson)