A man accused of kidnapping a wealthy businessman at a golf club has appeared in court.

Tianfu Guo, of no fixed abode, is charged with kidnap, blackmail and inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent following an alleged incident at Brocket Hall Golf Club in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, on October 24.

Appearing in the dock at St Albans Crown Court and wearing grey prison uniform, the 35-year-old defendant spoke only to confirm his name through a Mandarin interpreter.

He did not enter a plea, as paperwork outlining the case against him had been served late and his lawyers had not had a chance to discuss it with him.

Judge Lana Wood remanded the defendant back into custody and he is now expected to a enter a plea on January 16, with a provisional trial fixed for April.

READ MORE: Man attacked and snatched off golf course at Brocket Hall

In a statement following the incident, a Herts police spokeswoman told the Welwyn Hatfield Times: "We are investigating an incident that occurred at Brocket Hall Golf Club in Welwyn Garden City, on October 24.

"It was reported that shortly after 4pm, a man in his 30s at the club was approached by a number of men. He was taken by force in an Audi which left the scene.

"The man was subsequently recovered safely and an investigation launched by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit.

"Tianfu Guo, aged 35, has been charged with kidnap, blackmail and GBH with intent and has been remanded in custody.

"Enquiries are ongoing to identify further individuals involved.

“This is a sensitive and complex investigation that remains active at this time and as a result we cannot comment further at this stage."