UPDATE 1-Golf-Kim three clear as rain-hit John Deere Classic resumes

* American three clear as third round resumes

* Molinari in five-man group four shots back (Updates with resumption of play)

July 14 (Reuters) - Overnight leader Michael Kim was three strokes clear of the field when the third round of the John Deere Classic resumed after a rain delay of more than an hour on Saturday.

Kim, celebrating his 25th birthday, was three-under for his round through 13 holes when heavy rain fell on TPC Deere Run, bringing a halt to play with the American on 18-under for the tournament.

Compatriot Bronson Burgoon was alone in second place on 15-under after 14 holes of his third round. Italy’s Francesco Molinari, who won the Quicken Loans National at the start of July, was in a group of five players a further shot adrift.

The delay was the second of the day and third of the tournament with officials hoping to complete the third round before darkness. (Reporting by Gene Cherry in Raleigh, North Carolina; Editing by John O’Brien)