I have a couple 1980's boron rods with cork handles that I want to refinish.

 

The cork is in pretty good shape, except for a couple holes.

 

My PLAN is to use some Elmer's wood filler in "golden oak" color to fill the holes then lightly sand it.

 

Is this an appropriate repair...or is there a better/nicer way to do it?

U tube Chuck Pippin. He did a video on how to refurbish cork handles. 
 

found it 

 

That will work, I use cork bits and wood glue, fill it a bit proud and sand down. Good time to give the whole grip a light sanding with a fine grit.

I’ve done It. Worked great. Used a mr clean magic eraser to first clean It all up. 

straight wood filler is okay, but elmers white glue mixed with cork dust into a paste is better.  I don't know that color, but I would take some 400 grit to the grips very lightly first to get to the color you're going to end up with.  Then match to that.  save the cork dust that sands off and mix it into the filler/glue.

10 hours ago, CrashVector said:

I have a couple 1980's boron rods with cork handles that I want to refinish.

We used to say boron for moron in the tennis graphite industry in the 80s...

Elmers wood filler in "Golden Oak" is exactly what I use.

 

I clean it first with a Magic Eraser like CBump suggested, then fill the holes and low spots with the filler and sand with 220, then 400 grit and reseal with U40 cork seal.

 

This old Abu Hank Parker crankbait rod grip was in pretty rough shape and turned out pretty nice I think.

Your product choice is correct. Fill deep holes in layers for most solid repair. Consider finishing with U40 cork sealer. No it doesn’t change the color or make them slippery.