Caitlyn Jenner -- I Golf From the Ladies Tees ... But I'll Beat Your Ass from Anywhere!

It's the question everyone wanted to ask ... and Matt Lauer finally did -- does Caitlyn Jenner golf from the women's tee ... or the men's?

It's an interesting question considering Bruce Jenner (when Caitlyn was Bruce Jenner) was a beast on the links ... and had a reputation for RIPPING tee shots.

But during their golf course interview on the "Today" show Wednesday -- Caitlyn states the obvious ... she's a lady, and therefore plays from the women's tee.

Matt playfully objected, saying it was unfair ... so Cait offered to play from "the tips" (the furthest tee) ... essentially bragging that she'd beat Matt's ass from anywhere on the course.