There are some players that keep meticulous notes, mapping all the greens on all the courses, etc. There are some players that just keep some of the more important info. And many, like myself, that have one sticky posted right above my monitor that says "Be patient" and that is my only note, the rest is memory and instinct. Whatever works for you.
And on the matter of getting to Legend fast, I'll echo what was said earlier. I recommend Oakmont, RSG, and Congressional. If you are going to play a course over and over to tier up, play one of those. A player could get to Legend rather quickly playing only ST A's, then play Oakmont and lose your mind. If you are going to play one course over and over to get to Legend, make it a hard one. Besides, easier to shoot a low number on a par 70 course, just in general, isn't it? Easier to get a 3 on a par 4 than on a par 5, regardless of the relation to par.