Bob:
I certainly do agree that the USGA would be the ideal and the most natural source for researching golf architecture. The key is to get them to do it. The USGA is always looking for appropriate services and it probably wouldn't take all that much to convince them to do this if they thought there'd be a real need for it. As you say, most all clubs do know about the USGA. The USGA, though, would have to do some marketing to make most clubs aware that they did offer such a service--probably something along the lines of their exposure with their Green Section but for architectural restoration or preservation instead of agronomy. I'm just wondering, though, if the USGA might not view such an endeavor as an unnecessary incursion into an area for golf course architects!
I'd think this kind of thing could only be a research only arm or service and certainly not something that could get into recommending architects, obviously.
I have spoken to the USGA's Museum section on this in the past and this is something they'd probably like to do---the thing now is to get the board to give them the man-power, funding and structure to do it. I know David Normoyle and probably his boss too, Rand Jerris, would probably like to get into this type of thing.
I think I'll call them again about it and maybe put in a call to those I know on the board too just to see what they'll say.