'It's getting worse...' Golf commentator in doghouse after forgetting wife's birthday at Zurich Classic

David Howell hilariously revealed during the first round coverage of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans that he had forgotten his wife's birthday. 

Howell, 49, is acting as on-course commentator for Golf Channel and Sky Sports at this week's lone team event of the PGA Tour season. 

The Englishman, who won five times on the European Tour, was recently commentating for Sky Sports during The Masters. 

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are looking to become the first team to defend the title at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans this week. 

They got off to a solid enough start with an 8-under 64, but it leaves them six shots off the early pace set by fourball record holders Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo. 

Lowry mocked his good pal and career grand slammer McIlroy after his lethargic start to the round, his first since winning The Masters. 

McIlroy has gone down with illness this week. 

But back to the top of the story, and Davd's Howeller..

The former World No.9 forgot to say happy birthday to his wife Emily while speaking to her before going to work in the first round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. 

Howell was following the group of Wyndham Clark & Taylor Moore and Kurt Kitayama & Collin Morikawa during Thursday's first round. 

And it was on the par-3 9th hole where he let those in the commentary box and PGA Tour fans watching on at home into his current dilemma. 

You might be wondering how the subject came to the fore during the live first-round coverage from TPC Louisiana.

It transpired when Howell was asked to describe the predicament facing Clark over his chip shot to the right side of the 9th green. 

"He's got nothing here," said Howell, "a bit like me when I was three minutes in to a conversation with my wife earlier, which turned into an argument, and then she reminded me it was her birthday and I'd completely forgotten."

Rob Lee in the comms box replied: "That's fine work, Dave, that's fine work..."

Howell continued: "That is how Clark is feeling now. 

"Honey, I love you. I'll see you next week. I will be bringing presents."

Lee added: "The thing about Howeller is that it's not the first time he's done that."

Howell replied: "If you want a laugh. My old caddie Steve Brotherhood used to always remind me it was my wife's birthday. He left me five years ago, and he even wished her happy birthday today and he forgot to tell me."

"Oh my it's getting worse," said Lee. 

Howell has been married to his wife Emily since 2009. 

They share three children. 

As for whether Howell is indeed sleeping in the doghouse upon his return to Surrey next week remains to be seen. 

Keep up to date with live scores from the Zurich Classic of New Orleans here