This is a very good idea, Niall!
I'm happy to work with you, Mark B and ANy Other in trying to fill in the extensive gaps in CBM's resume (CV). Do we have any sources other than himself to elaborate on or even verify his years at St. Andrews (1872-1875). I seem to remember one reference that he didn't actually graduate from the place (maybe he never claimed that?). Similarly, what exactly did he do from 1875 until designing the first Chicago GC in 1892? How did he keep his swing in good enough shape over that period to win the 1st (or was it the 2nd) US Amateur? Etc. Etc.
Being over here I'd be happy to help out in any and all research into his St. Andrews days as well as the various purported later trips to the UK to study great golf holes. Maybe David Moriarty/Tom MacWood can muster all their abilities to examine ship manifests to see whether or not CMB actually crossed the Atlantic in the earrly 1900's. If so, you, I and others can then help sniff out where and when he visited places like North Berwick and Brancaster.
As to his also checkered history in the USA from ~1900 to his death, maybe dispassionate researchers such as Tom Paul and Wayne Morrison could be enlisted to the cause?
Looking forward to hearing from you and maybe getting together again for a game or two this year.
~Rich
edited for TMT (Too Many Tyops)