Wayne Brett Westner (28 September 1961 – 4 January 2017) was a South African professional golfer who turned professional in 1982 and competed primarily on the European Tour and the South African circuit (Sunshine Tour). During his playing career he recorded thirteen professional victories and was widely recognised for his ball‑striking ability and competitive temperament. For a concise overview of his tournament record see his player profile.

Career and achievements

Westner enjoyed success both at home and abroad in the 1980s and 1990s. He won a number of domestic events on the South African circuit and was successful in selected international tournaments. His most prominent individual victory was at the 1993 Dubai Desert Classic, a high‑profile European Tour event that drew a strong field and helped raise his international profile. He also formed a notable partnership with Ernie Els when the two won the World Cup of Golf for South Africa in 1996, a biennial team competition that brought national teams together to compete in stroke play.

Notable wins

  • 1993 Dubai Desert Classic — a key European Tour victory that marked the peak of his individual international success
  • 1996 World Cup of Golf (with Ernie Els) — a team title representing South Africa
  • Multiple national events on the South African tour, contributing to a total of 13 professional wins

Later life and death

Injuries beginning in the late 1990s limited Westner’s ability to compete at the highest level and effectively ended his time on tour around 1998. He was born and raised in Johannesburg, which remained a noted part of his background. Years after retiring from regular competition, Westner was involved in a serious incident at his home in Pennington, KwaZulu‑Natal, on 4 January 2017. Reports indicate a hostage situation preceded his death; he died from a self‑inflicted gunshot wound at age 55. Contemporary news accounts and official reports provide further details on the events and their aftermath (location report, news account).

Legacy

Westner is remembered for his competitive successes in the 1990s, particularly the Dubai Desert Classic win and the World Cup team title, and for representing South African golf internationally. His career trajectory — success interrupted by injury and a troubled later life — has been noted in discussions about the pressures athletes can face after their playing days end. Westner’s achievements remain part of South Africa’s golfing history and are recalled by peers, fans and chroniclers of the European and South African tours.