Hi Nicholas,
I play there every year. No need to bite the bullet and stay at the resort, you will have no problem playing 2 and 4. Both courses will set you back a lot. You are looking at close to $800 for those two courses alone. You should also check out #9 (used to be called The National). If I can recommend another few courses to play in the area I would say play Dormie Club (Crenshaw design) and Tobacco Road (Mike Strantz design). Tobacco Road is like no other course you have ever played!!! It is also in Golf Digest top 100 public courses. It is roughly 25 minutes away from Pinehurst. The Cradle is too overpriced for a par 3 course, in my opinion. Great atmosphere but not worth $50 when I can go to a course like Talamore or Mid South and pay that for a full 18. If you have any questions let me know. Have fun down there...it really is amazing!
John

If this is a once in a lifetime trip---go to Pinehurst.com and look under their golf packages. I take a large group there every Spring and make a couple more trips to play #2. The times I have played at Pinehurst and did not stay at the resort are my least favorite. It's an experience unlike any other. From the breakfast at the Carolina to Maniac Hill (driving range at main clubhouse) to drinks on the porch at the Carolina...to dinner at 1895 or again the Carolina or the Ryder Cup Lounge---it's all wonderful. To truly experience it I suggest staying on property. My favorites are 2, 7, 4, 6, 5, 3, 1, 9, and 8 in that order.

I also really enjoy The Cradle. The $50 includes unlimited replays (with availability) and the use of clubs and a walking bag. It's a cool way to knock it around for nine holes.

If you want a bargain---try tobaccoroadtravel.com. They have some really well priced quality stay and play packages at other hotels & courses.

Enjoy!

The cradle is set up to have fun. We had a blast there this spring. Go for it. We did the cradle and #4 and #4 is awesome. Check online for specials at Pinehurst and you might run across something. You never know. 50/50 chance. =)

I went to Pinehurst last fall with my wife (non-golfer), so I played as a single. I played #2, 4 and 8 which I would definitely recommend. Also, take a caddie on #2 and 4, it will enhance the experience. Have a great time!

I am playing #4 for the first time since the redesign...how nice is it? I have only heard GREAT things about it. I would recommend staying at Talamore Resorts if you are looking for a cheaper option. They are condo's located about seven minutes away from Pinehurst Resort. You can also look into Airbnb, I would imagine people listing condo's which are located on #3 and #5.

We stayed off property and played #2 no problem, we also played Mid Pines and Pine Needles which are fantastic! Pine Needles just hosted the Senior Women’s US Open and is a great track. I’ll second the others on Dormie Club it is beautiful, I need to go back and play number 4 and Tobacco Rd.

if you want to play another fun course in the area, Tobacco Road is a must play!!

Thanks all for the recs! Booked my trip a few weeks ago!