LONDON, June 16, 2012 (AFP) - Donald, who has topped the rankings for 48 weeks, was made a member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), in the honours list published to mark the queen's official birthday.
"I am truly honoured to be awarded an MBE by Her Majesty -- particularly in her jubilee year," Donald said at the US Open in San Francisco.
"Both 2011 and 2012 have been very significant years for me, both personally and professionally, and I am touched that my accomplishments have been recognised in this way."
In football, former England goalkeeper David James, who holds the Premier League record for the most clean sheets at 173, was also made an MBE in the order of chivalry.
James, who is in Ukraine supporting the England team at the European Championships, said he was "intensely jealous" of his countrymen playing in the tournament.
Paul Elliott was upgraded from member to commander in the order, getting the CBE for his services to equality and diversity in football -- the highest honour received by any player from the Premier League era.
"I have just tried to make a bit of a difference," said the former Chelsea and Celtic defender, who has spearheaded campaigns to rid football of racism.
Rugby union player Shane Williams, Wales' all-time record try scorer, received an MBE.
"I have been lucky enough to have had a fantastic career and what a great way to finish," the winger said.
Terry Downes, the oldest surviving winner of a boxing world title, receives the British Empire Medal. The 76-year-old Londoner won the world middleweight crown in 1961.
Alex Arthur, a former world super featherweight champion, was awarded the MBE.
"It was a surprise. I've spent all my life beating people up," the Edinburgh boxer said.
Former culture secretary Tessa Jowell, who played a key role in bringing the 2012 Games to London, was knighted for her services in support of the event, which gets under way on July 27.
Iraqi-born architect Zaha Hadid, who designed the Aquatics Centre at the Olympic Park, which has a distinctive, wave-like roof, was also made a dame.
Those behind the organisation of the London Games are recognised for their efforts, with honours going to several members of the Olympic Delivery Authority.
Former UK Sport performance director Peter Keen, who spearheaded the funding strategy that saw Britain finish fourth in the medals table at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, was awarded a CBE.
Archery's Alison Williamson, 40, who will become only the third person to represent Great Britain in six consecutive Olympic Games at London 2012, receives an MBE.
Britain's leading showjumper Nick Skelton got an OBE.
Veteran karate coach Hamish Adam was given an MBE for services to his sport.
He was a member of the British team that won the world championships in 1975 -- the first team ever to defeat Japan.
Honours lists are produced twice a year, at New Year and to coincide with the queen's official birthday in June. She turned 86 in April.