They aren’t trash receptacles, modern art, or alien antennas, as some have joked.

The peculiar-looking metal structures in Cortez’s Centennial Park represent "holes" in an alternative type of golf that is gaining popularity across the country.

The sport, known as disc golf or "Frisbee golf," uses a specialized type of basket fitted with hanging chains and used as a target, or hole, for a specialized disc de-signed for the game.

Considered to be the first official disc-course in the Four Corners, the nine-"hole," three-par series of baskets has raised eyebrows to those unfamiliar with the sport, which has been around since the late 1970s but has really taken off in the last 15 years.

"We’ve had a lot of inquiries on what these things are," said Ed Hallam, assistant director for Cortez Parks and Recreation. "This is pretty new for Cortez."

Players throw specialized discs made for long-distance throwing because they are heavier, smaller and have less wind resistance than a typical "trick" Frisbee. Professionals can launch "drivers" with names like "The Viper" and "The Cobra" as far as a quarter-mile. Other discs that deliver a more accurate close-range or "putting" shot are also utilized.

The same rules and terminology, such as "birdie" (for a one-under-par shot), "eagle" (two under par) and the much-abhorred "double bogey" (two over par), that are used in traditional golf are used in Frisbee golf.

Although the tees have not been installed yet, the accompanying map shows where they will be, and the direction of the course.

Hallam said that interpretive signs to direct players and explain the game and the tee-pads will be put up soon.

The course was designed by Rick Behrendesen, an avid disc-golf player when he is not managing the Ute Mountain Ute Casino; Dan Porter, an adviser for Parks and Rec; and Parks Director Chris Burkett. Generally, the course winds around the north end of the park, beginning and ending near the Justice Building off Park Street. It presents a good challenge, and each hole has its share of obstacles, mostly involving trees, shrubbery and distance.

"I’m happy with the way it turned out; there are some tough shots and some easier ones so beginners and experts will enjoy it," Behrendesen said.

"It is a perfect activity for a lunch break and is just one more fun thing to do around here."

Throwing the discs to go where you want takes some practice, but the learning curve is pretty fast, he said.

More advanced techniques such as rolling the disc towards the basket or throwing wide-angle slices are fun to try.

"We want to offer a diversity of activities in our parks, and this fits that philosophy," Hallam said.