Harris, who posted three birdies on the day to go along four bogeys, sits at 1-over par 217 for the championship, two shots clear of defending Canadian Men’s Senior champion Chip Lutz of Reading, Penn. and Greg Wilson of Vaudreuil, Que., both of whom are T2 at 3-over par 219.

“It was a fun day,” said Harris, who finished third at the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship in 2010. “The pairing with Chip and Howard (Broun), you couldn't play with two better guys¿It was a difficult day because of the wind and the pressure and there's tension and we're nervous, but playing with those two guys just made for a great day. It's a day I'll never forget.”

While Harris is excited to be playing in the final group on Friday with the lead, he noted the importance of playing conservatively and not taking too many unnecessary risks.

“If I feel like I'm really striking it well, then yes, I'll be more aggressive,” said Harris. “This golf course, if you make a few mistakes, they end up being big mistakes. There aren't any little mistakes on this golf course¿I’m going to do my best to pretend like I'm out there playing with my buddies and just try to think well and see what happens. My goal is to play a nice round of golf and add it up at the end.”

After posting a competitive course record 3-under par 69 on Thursday, Jay Blumenfeld of Parsippany, N.J. is fourth with a three-day tally of 4-over par 220. Wilson also shot 3-under par 69 on the day, matching Blumenfeld’s mark.

Sandy Harper of Nanaimo, B.C. is fifth at 6-over par 222.

The 2012 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship winner will earn an exemption into the 2012 USGA Senior Amateur Championship which takes place September 29 – October 4 at Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, N.J.