A rural community is reeling after the tragic death of a popular sportsman and "good country boy" at a sports club in the state's north west.

Friends have expressed shock at the death of Wycheproof man John Durie, 56, who police say may have been involved in a "physical altercation" at Wycheproof Golf Club about 9.30pm.

Homicide detectives on Saturday said they had spoken to a 26-year-old man in relation to Mr Durie's death, but he had been released pending further enquiries. No one else is being sought.

A police spokeswoman said: "The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined at this stage."