Chase Davis is a full-time putting specialist. While he is based on the edge of Norwich at Eaton Golf Club, Chase’s reach is limitless. He has clients from as far a-field as America, Dubai and Australia, thanks to the online platform Skillest, which connects sports coaches to a worldwide marketplace.
“I’ve always putted nicely,” says 37-year-old Chase, who played EuroPro Tour before qualifying as a PGA Professional in the first half of his 20s. And the idea of specialising in his strong suit first crossed his mind during a five-year stint at Sprowston Manor Hotel Golf and Country Club.
But it was only once Davis had switched to Eaton where the practice ground was on the short side that he threw himself fully into helping golfers improve on the greens – and now, doing so via the online platform.
What made you decide to major on becoming a specialist putting coach?
I came to Eaton pre-Covid. The range is 150 yards, so you can only do a driver lesson on course - unless you want the studio. So I asked myself ‘how else can I make this work?’ And I thought, ‘let’s try some putting’. Through Covid, I studied a lot of it at home. There was loads of webinars and I sat there watching those. For me, it was learning a bit more about what makes a good putter; how can I then give that back to other people? With Covid came online lessons and I got into Skillest and I’ve now done over 1200 lessons. I’m still probably the only one in putting that has a five-star rating.
What initially attracted you to Skillest as a coaching platform?
Skillest provided an opportunity to expand my coaching reach beyond in-person sessions, allowing me to work with golfers worldwide. The flexibility of continuous feedback and the ability to review swings in detail attracted me, as it enhances the learning process for students.
How does it help reach more students?
Skillest removes geographical barriers, enabling me to coach students from different countries and time zones. This scalability is not possible with traditional in-person coaching, which sometimes can be limited to a coach’s local area.
How do you structure an online lesson compared to an in-person one?
An online lesson typically starts with the student submitting videos of their putting stroke, along with details of their struggles and goals. I then provide detailed video feedback, marking key positions, explaining necessary changes and giving tailored drills. Follow-ups include progress tracking and adjustments based on their next submission. This structured approach ensures continuous improvement.
What are the most common misconceptions about online coaching, and how do you address them?
A common misconception is that online coaching lacks personal connection and real-time feedback. I counter this by maintaining consistent communication, offering personalised video responses, and structuring lessons to ensure clear, actionable guidance. Many students find that the ability to rewatch lessons is actually an advantage over in-person instruction.
Has Skillest helped you scale your coaching business?
It has allowed me to generate revenue beyond in-person lessons, creating a more sustainable model. The subscription-based feature also helps me maintain long-term student engagement, leading to better results and financial stability.
What advice would you give to coaches hesitant about transitioning to online coaching?
Embrace it as an opportunity rather than a replacement for in-person coaching. Online coaching expands your reach, provides structured progress tracking and creates a more scalable business model. The key is to communicate effectively, provide clear instructions, and leverage technology to enhance learning.
Do you use Skillest alongside in-person lessons, or is it your primary coaching method?
I use a hybrid approach. While I still conduct in-person coaching, Skillest is an essential part of my coaching model, particularly for ongoing development and students who cannot attend in person. It allows me to stay connected with my students and support their improvement remotely.
