Course conditions at Toronto Golf Club toughened up on Wednesday with only seven players breaking par.

Related: Canadian Amateur: Defending Champ Bernard in three-way tie after 36 holes

The 23-year-old South American from Bogota shot an even par round of 72 - a score good enough to put him alone atop the leaderboard at 7 under heading to the final round of the Canadian Men's Amateur. His up-and-down round included a pair of bogeys and one double-bogey to go with four birdies.

“I’m happy, leading by one heading to the last round,” he told Golf Canada, after making par on the 18th hole. “But I made a stupid mistake on 16, I shouldn’t have used my driver. I still feel good because I made three straight birdies on the front nine. I missed a couple chances on the back, but I also made some good saves, so it all worked out.”

Bernard and Stratton Nolen from Austin, Texas - who both shot a one-over par 71 - lurk a shot back at 6 under, along with Zach Bauchou from Forest, Virginia. Bauchou had five birdies on the day, including three on the back 9.

“I like to be the chaser, so I love where I am,” said Bernard. “I just need to play my game – if I can stick to that I know I will have a chance to win tomorrow.”

Three shots back at four under are Canadians Matt Williams and Josh Whalen, along with Tanner Napier from Paris, Texas.

First round leader A.J. Ewart, who tied a course record in the opening round, shot a second consecutive two-over par (72) to remain five shots off the lead at 2 under overall.

Jimmy Jones, playing in memory of his mother the late Dawn Coe Jones (a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame who passed away last November) shot one of the few under par rounds of the day - a -2 under 68 that leaves him T19 at +1 overall.