Golf Icon Throws Down the Gauntlet, Challenges Gavin Newsom to Town Hall Debate

California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing a public challenge from one of the state’s most famous athletes over his clean energy policies.

Professional golfer Phil Mickelson, a six-time major championship winner and longtime California resident, has called on the governor to participate in a town hall debate about offshore drilling projects, specifically naming Sable Offshore.

Mickelson issued the invitation Wednesday night on social media, posting, “If you would like to have a town hall meeting with me to discuss Sable Offshore I will meet you anytime and anyplace. Let’s discuss this openly so the public knows the facts.”

If you would like to have a town hall meeting with me to discuss Sable Offshore I will meet you anytime and anyplace. Let’s discuss this openly so the public knows the facts. https://t.co/8LB1rgeewz

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) October 2, 2025

The unexpected call-out came shortly after Newsom criticized President Donald Trump’s administration for announcing plans to cancel billions in federal subsidies tied to green energy programs.

Bloomberg reported that nearly $8 billion in funding for hydrogen hubs, wind projects, and solar initiatives, including projects in California and the Pacific Northwest, would be halted.

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Newsom, who has built a national profile on renewable energy mandates, responded on social media by condemning the cuts.

“In Trump’s America, energy policy is set by the highest bidder, economics and common-sense be damned,” Newsom wrote.

“We’ll keep chasing an all-of-the-above clean energy strategy to power our future and clean our air — no matter what politicians in DC try to dictate.”

Mickelson quickly pushed back, arguing that the state has overlooked concerns raised by Californians about controversial offshore developments.

He followed up his initial challenge with another post indicating he had attempted to contact the governor directly.

“I called your office yesterday and left my number with your assistant,” Mickelson wrote, adding a crossed-fingers emoji.

pic.twitter.com/TKCOjMVT2V

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) October 3, 2025

White House Budget Director Russell Vought confirmed that the cuts are part of larger spending reductions tied to the ongoing government shutdown, with Democratic-leaning states seeing many of the reductions first.

Hydrogen energy hubs planned along the West Coast were among the initial programs affected. Newsom and other Democrats have pledged to continue advancing clean energy initiatives despite the loss of federal support.

Mickelson’s involvement has drawn attention to Sable Offshore and similar projects, which critics say have moved forward without sufficient transparency or public debate.

His call for a town hall reflects broader frustrations in the state about how energy and environmental policies are being implemented.

Mickelson has previously voiced opposition to California’s high tax policies and hinted at leaving the state, though he has remained a prominent resident and sports figure.

His challenge to Newsom adds a new voice to the debate over the state’s energy direction at a moment when California faces mounting questions about the costs and impacts of its policies.

As of Thursday, Newsom’s office had not issued a response to Mickelson’s offer.

Should the governor agree, it would set the stage for a high-profile and unusual political forum, pairing a celebrated athlete with California’s top elected official to debate the future of energy in the state.

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