The 14-year-old Punahou School freshman was honored as Newcomer of the Year by the Laureus World Sports Academy, making her the youngest athlete to win one of the academy's awards.

Wie beat five other nominees, including Cleveland Cavaliers' basketball prodigy LeBron James and golfer Ben Curtis, who won the British Open in his first major championship.

The prizes were selected in voting by 400 sports journalists from more than 70 countries. The awards ceremony broadcast was seen by 350 million people, the academy said.

The Laureus World Sports Academy was founded in 1999 with grants from DaimlerChrysler and Richemont, maker of Cartier watches. Its 41 members are a Who's Who of international sports, including Michael Jordan, Pele, Martina Navratilova and Jack Nicklaus.

Wie played seven times on the LPGA Tour last season, missing the cut only once. She played against men on the PGA, Canadian and Nationwide tours. Her only victory in any event came at the U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links, making her the youngest winner of a USGA event for adults.

In January, she missed the cut at the Sony Open at the Waialae Country Club by a shot, becoming the first female to shoot under par (2-under 68) in a PGA Tour event.