Royal Isabela, Puerto Rico's newest course, is a rising star in Caribbean golf

Located on Puerto Rico's northwest coast, Royal Isabela is a new, private golf course that is sure to become one of the Caribbean's most talked about designs.

Conceived by Puerto Rico natives Stanley and Charlie Pasarell, the brothers teamed up with former Pete Dye associate David Pfaff to build a course on 426 acres of oceanfront property. The team says they "found" holes more than designed them, and the result is a course that appears very natural and wild in parts.

The wind can be especially prevalent on the back nine and dictates which holes will be brutes. "Tropical Scotland" is how Stanley Pasarell likes to describe this one-of-a-kind experience.

The course's 17th hole is a showstopper. The par 3, which plays over the seaside bluffs, can play up to 200 yards. The green is guarded on the right-hand side by a "chicken tree" that lies beside the green. The 18th hole then plays back uphill toward the clubhouse to a green surrounded by mounding.

Royal Isabela will open up a hotel and a limited amount of real estate. The course, now open on a limited basis, doesn't expect to host more than 1,000 or so rounds each year and will limit play to stay-and-play golfers and membership.

Royal Isabela golf course - hole 11

The par-4 11th hole at Royal Isabela runs along the sea and requires a long carry over cliffs.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Isabela golf course - hole 12

The fairway on the par-5 12th hole at Royal Isabela is littered with palm trees.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Isabela golf course - setting

The back nine at Royal Isabela features a slew of holes with dramatic greens beside the sea.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Isabela golf course - hole 18

The 18th hole at Royal Isabela plays uphill and away from the sea.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Isabela golf course - hole 8

The front nine at Royal Isabela, which plays more inland, features some great holes like the par-5 eighth.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Isabela golf course - practice hole

There are practice holes interspersed throughout Royal Isabela, including this short par 3 beside the sea.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Isabela golf course - hole 16

The par-4 16th hole at Royal Isabela plays along the coastline.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Isabela golf course - hole 17

The par-3 17th hole at Royal Isabela requires a long carry over the cliffside.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Isabela golf course - hole 6

The sixth hole at Royal Isabela features alternate left and right greens.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Isabela golf course - hole 9

The ninth hole at Royal Isabela is a short island-green par 3.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Isabela - double green

A large double green sits exposed beside the sea at Royal Isabela in Puerto Rico.

Joann Dost/Royal Isabela

Royal Isabela - clubhouse

When fully operational, Royal Isabela will be Puerto Rico's most exclusive golf club.

Joann Dost/Royal Isabela