SOUTH WEST FACES: Rob's runs are on the board

From a young age Rob Miguel knew that golf - in any form - would play a big part in his future.

But the Sanctuary Golf Resort part-owner and manager has come a long way from when he would use his seven-iron to hit golf balls among the sheep at his family's Mukinbudin farm.

He did not hit any sheep, he informs the _South Western Times _.

Buying into the hospitality industry in 2002, Rob eventually took over as manager of the resort five years later.

The 60-year-old has successfully combined his love for the sport with making a living, although he says it has been challenging.

"It's been good fun and I meet a lot of people, but it's the most challenging thing I've ever done," he said.

Working on average about 50 hours a week Rob said he has a "very stable and hardworking" staff at the resort.

But he also has to help in all areas, whether it is the hotel, bar or golf shop.

"I'm not naive enough to think I do all the jobs well, but I give them all a try," Rob said.

An unofficial advocate for local charities, Rob appears to keep himself and his staff grounded through the amount of charity events he caters for at the resort.

It is a venue for regular Camp Quality and Rotary Club golf days, notably along with fundraisers for organisations like women's refuges.

"That's just a combination of wanting to be valuable members of the community and assist them as much as we can," Rob said.

"We aim to look after them as best as we can."

Business aside, not only is Rob a golf enthusiast, but he is a national champion.

Playing alongside his three sons Brad, Riley and Jaysen, the team won the Holden Scramble National Championship on the Sunshine Coast in 2013.

It was a feat that almost did not happen according to Rob, who did not want to divulge too much information - but it did involve an apparent sleepwalking incident and subsequent missing team member until close to tee-off.

"Winning that with the three boys was definitely a highlight," Rob said. "When we got the trophy in Queensland it was quite an emotional speech."

Rob and his sons then went on to play in China in a Champions Tour, which he said was "good fun".

Their golfing success is not the first involvement Rob has had in his sons' sport, coaching all three in cricket over a span of about 15 years.

He no doubt imparted his own cricket wisdom as a WA Country XI representative for 15 years himself.

Rob said he had some "great years" being a member of teams which played against international touring sides like India and Pakistan.

He credits growing up in a country town for being able to dabble in all sports.

Always a country boy at heart, Rob admits he could have his eyes on somewhere like Boyup Brook to retire too, "one day".