The two-tour European Tour was found with a gunshot wound to his head by police at the home of his estranged wife in Pennington, a town about 70 kilometres south of Durban.

Lieutenant Colonel Thilani Zwane, a spokesperson for the South African Police Service, confirmed the deceased was the 55-year-old golfer, who was forced to retire in 1998 after suffering an ankle ligament injury, adding that an inquest has been opened to look into the death.

According to the South Coast Herald, Westner had taken his wife hostage before shooting himself with a pistol, but these reports remain unconfirmed.

Westner, who had a career high ranking of 40th, won the South African Open in 1988 and 1991 and also claimed two European Tour victories with the 1993 Dubai Desert Classic in the United Arab Emirates and the 1996 FNB Players Championship played in Durban.

Former world number one Ernie Els, who won the World Cup of Golf alongside Westner in 1996, was among those who paid tributes to him.

“Sad day, our friend Wayne Westner passed today,” the four-time major winner said on Twitter.

“Great memories thank you my friend.”

Another South African golfing legend Gary Player, also commented on the death, saying he was “saddened by the news”.

Thomas Bjorn, who will captain Europe at the 2018 Ryder Cup at the Le Golf National course in France, also expressed his shock at the death.

“Really saddened by the news of Wayne Westner,” the Dane said.

“My thoughts go out to those left behind.

“Hopefully you have found your peace.”

Alongside his victory at the World Cup in 1996, Westner also took part in the 1994 and 1997 editions of the competition.

He also represented his country at the 1994 and 1996 Dunhill Cup and the 1995 Alfred Dunhill Challenge.