Scheffler led at the halfway stage, but his 71 was not enough to reclaim the clubhouse lead, as fellow American Kirk hit eight birdies and one bogey in a third-round 66 to move into pole position in the PGA Tour season opener.

Tyrrell Hatton could not repeat his excellent form that he displayed in Friday's 62, as he carded a 72 to drop into a tie for 14th five shots off the pace.

Fellow Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick is four shots off the pace in a share of 10th after a 69.

American Akshay Bhatia, 21, pushed his way into second spot, one stroke behind Kirk on 20 under, while Xander Schauffele, Jordan Spieth and Byeong Hun An are a further stroke back in third.

Kirk said he will have to remain aggressive to hold his lead.

"You certainly can't protect anything out here, that's for sure," he said.

"When it's a shootout like this and the scores are really low, you just stay aggressive and just go do your thing."