Just in case you were wondering...I found this on the Internet. An appartment complex takes around the same amount of time. 4 years with permitting. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BUILD A GOLF COURSE? The actual construction time for a golf course from ground -breaking to opening can be from one to two years, depending on the weather and amount of equipment used. But today it often takes an additional one to two years to obtain all of the permits and required approvals before construction can begin.