Third round Players Championship front-runner Chris Kirk has ruled out returning to Northern Ireland later this month to contest the Rory McIlroy hosted Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

Kirk, 29 birdied four of his closing six holes in a round of a four under par 68 to move one shot clear of the field on 10-under par on the TPC Sawgrass course.

The Atlanta-born Kirk is no stranger to winning having captured three PGA Tour titles including last year’s Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston.

The victorious 2007 USA Walker Cup team – Chris Kirk (far left back row)

However Kirk was also a member of the victorious 2007 USA Walker Cup team competing in just two of the matches at Royal County Down including teaming with Jamie Lovemark to defeat GB & Is John Parry and David Horsey 1up in the Sunday morning Foursomes.

Kirk revealed after moving to the top of the Players third day leader-board that he had been approached by McIlroy late last year.

“After Rory had approached me I thought about it hard as I just loved Royal County Down and I still have very fond memories of the week back in ’07 as we had an absolute great time,” said Kirk.

“But just with the event being sandwiched between the Colonial and the Memorial, and two of my most favourite tournaments, I’ve had to say ‘No’ to Rory as I just didn’t want to do the travel back and forward from the States to Ireland.

Chris Kirk heads the Players Championship by a shot but has ruled out contesting the 2015 Irish Open. (Photo – www.pgatour.com)

“So I would have loved to be playing had it fitted better into my schedule.

“I know Rory has spoken to most of the guys who played in that Walker Cup team and judging by those who are competing, he’s got a great field already”.