California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been issued a public debate challenge by American sports legend Tiger Mickelson, sparking a contentious exchange over energy policy. Mickelson, a six-time major champion and California native, publicly called out Newsom on social media during the Ryder Cup, urging him to engage in a town hall meeting to discuss Sable Offshore, an oil company he has endorsed.

Mickelson, 55, left his phone number with Newsom’s office after expressing frustration with what he described as political obstruction of energy initiatives. “If you would like to have a town hall meeting with me to discuss Sable Offshore, I will meet you anytime and anyplace,” Mickelson wrote. He added that he had already contacted Newsom’s team to arrange the discussion.

The exchange follows Newsom’s criticism of the Trump administration’s plan to cut funding for hydrogen projects in California and the Pacific Northwest. Newsom emphasized a “clean energy strategy” during a recent X post, stating, “In Trump’s America, energy policy is set by the highest bidder, economics and common-sense be damned.”

Mickelson has increasingly vocalized his political views in recent weeks, particularly after the assassination of Charlie Kirk at a Utah college. He has defended Sable Offshore, arguing that restarting offshore drilling near Santa Barbara would lower gas prices, reduce foreign energy dependence, create jobs, and improve environmental conditions by curbing natural oil seepage.

The debate comes amid legal scrutiny of Sable Offshore, which faces a class-action lawsuit alleging securities fraud and unlawful business practices. Mickelson cited studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara and state agencies to support his claims, framing the project as a “win-win” for Californians.

Newsom has not yet publicly responded to Mickelson’s challenge, but the exchange highlights growing tensions over energy policy in the state.